WEATHERFORD, Okla. - The No. 11 Crimson Storm traveled south to take on the Bulldogs of Southwestern Oklahoma State, looking to close out 2023 with another victory. Southern Nazarene continued to prove their dominance, taking down the Bulldogs, 77-56, to remain perfect on the season. 

The Crimson Storm (10-0, 4-0 GAC) handed SWOSU (6-4, 3-1 GAC) their first conference loss of the season, their third straight win over the Bulldogs dating back to the 2021 season.  

The outstanding Southern Nazarene offense got to work early exploding for an 8-0 run to begin the game. A SWOSU jumper and a three silenced the Storm, but not for long. SNU gained back offensive control and a Lauryn Reither long ball forced Bulldog's head coach, Jeff Zinn, to call a timeout. The Storm remained dominant in the paint allowing them to lead Southwestern OSU 22-14 at the end of the first quarter.

SNU's potent offense continued to silence the SWOSU comeback attempt to begin quarter two. Abbie Jiles went to work defensively collecting a steal and a fastbreak layup to stretch the SNU lead 36-25. Another Storm jumper and layup sealed the deal for the Crimson Storm at the half, giving them the upper hand, 42-34.

Jena Bay found her way to the free throw line early, knocking down two shots to extend the Storm lead. The SNU offense was still firing, as Reitehr sank another three to hold the lead at 11. Southern Nazarene remained in their wheelhouse scoring most of their remaining points in the paint and at the charity stripe. The Crimson Storm entered the final quarter leading 58-43, over SWOSU. 

The Storm opened up the final quarter scoring their first six points from the charity stripe. This helped SNU extend their lead 64-46 with just under nine minutes to play. Another Reither three ball and Emily Monaghan free throws pushed the Storm lead 69-48. Jiles and Hannah Giddey continued to put pressure on the Bulldogs in the paint, lengthening the SNU lead even more. A Jillian Crawford three-ball put the final points on the board, giving the Storm their tenth victory on the season, 77-56. 

Abbie Jiles and Lauryn Reither both collected a double-double and Emily Monaghan also scored in double digits tallying 14 points for the Crimson Storm.

Next Up

The Storm will take a break in the action for Christmas before returning to play at Henderson State. SNU will take on the Reddies in Arkadelphia, AR Thursday, January 4 at 5:30 p.m.