BETHANY, Okla. — Southern Nazarene remains on top in the GAC after escaping a close contest with rival OBU, outlasting the Bison 57-55 inside the Sawyer Center.
After delivering an offensive onslaught in Shawnee the last time these two teams met, the Storm (20-4, 17-1 GAC) were faced with a tougher assignment in Bethany, overcoming 32% shooting and 18 turnovers to come up big in the final minutes of the contest.
The Bison (13-11, 9-9 GAC) challenged SNU late in the game with back-to back buckets that put them ahead by one with two minutes remaining, but a costly foul sent Payton Jones to line where she sunk in two free throws to lift SNU over OBU by two.
The Storm set the tone early, jumping out in front of OBU at 19-12 at the end of quarter one. SNU extended their lead to 25-12 two minutes into quarter two, but the scoring run transitioned to Oklahoma Baptist who went on a 9-0 run, coming within six points of the Storm. Action went back and forth and SNU's six-point lead stayed going into halftime at 31-25.
The Storm broke out of halftime with a 7-0 run which turned into a 17-point lead halfway through the third. Oklahoma Baptist quickly answered, knocking down some shots to cut SNU's lead back down to nine at 47-38 at the end of the third.
OBU gained some momentum, outscoring the Storm 7-4 five minutes into the final quarter. OBU then brought the game within one after two three pointers fell through with just three minutes remaining in the contest. Another bucket gave them a one-point lead, but SNU responded and the score quickly teetered for the next minute.
Tied at 55 a piece, the Bison contested Jones on a three-attempt, but paid the consequence as Jones was fouled and sent to the line for three. Jones knocked down two of her three attempts, putting SNU up by two and leaving OBU with the last possession of the ball game.
Looking inside to tie the game, the Bisons attempt at a bucket was no good and SNU was left victorious with a final 57-55 victory.
Cassandra Awatt hit a milestone against the Bison, achieving 1000 career points as she finished with 13 total for the game. Awatt also picked up 11 boards and four assists.
Georgia Adams tallied 12 points, seven boards, four assists and three steals.
Hannah Giddey also had a double double with 10 points and 10 boards. The junior also grabbed seven blocks.
Emily Monaghan finished with 11 points and four boards.
Southern Nazarene ends its home stretch of games and will return to the road as they head to Southern Arkansas on Thursday, February 16th for a 5:30 p.m. tip time.
