ADA, Okla. - Southern Nazarene continued GAC play on the road at East Central. The Crimson Storm offense was overpowering yet again propelling them to a victory over ECU, 59-48. 

The No. 18 ranked Crimson Storm (8-0, 2-0 GAC) looked to continue their win streak against the Tigers (3-1, GAC 0-1). The Storm continued their streak, handing the Tigers their first loss in the 2023-2024 season. 

SNU began the game with a quick four points before ECU could get on the board. Jena Bay and Hannah Giddey combined to go on a 10-0 run from there, giving the Storm a 14-3 lead before a media timeout. The Tigers finally broke the run, but Bay responded right back with her second three of the day. The Crimson Storm continued to work in the paint holding down their lead of 19-9 to end the first quarter.
 
Abie Jiles went to the line to begin the second quarter adding two free throws to the SNU score. The Storm kept at it in the paint stretching their lead as East Central attempted a comeback. The Tigers struggled to string together some offense to respond to a hot SNU. Carley Gasaway silenced any comeback ECU had up their sleeve with a three. The Storm stayed the course with layups and jumpers to stay ahead of East Central 30-18 at halftime. 

The Storm continued to control the game after the half. Bay continued to lead the SNU offense hitting another three to stretch their lead to 35-23. The Storm continued to utilize free throws and layups to continue to pull away from the Tigers to end the third quarter up 43-32.

ECU opened up the final quarter with a three, but Southern Nazarene continued to have a response for every Tiger point. Jiles found her way to the charity stripe knocking down two free throws to put the Storm up 10. The Crimson Storm continued to find success at the free throw line and in the paint, closing out the game to earn the victory over East Central, 59-48.

The Crimson Storm offense was led by Jena Bay who collected a career high of 23 points. Hannah Giddey also contributed 12 points to go with eight assists and six blocks. 

Next Up

The Storm will return to the Sawyer Center to host Northwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday, December 9. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. against the Rangers in Bethany.