ST JOSEPH, Mo. -  The Southern Nazarene women's basketball team kicked off their season with a bang at the Tip Off Challenge in St. Joseph, Missouri.  The Storm faced off against Central Missouri securing their first victory of the season with a 68-65 win. 

The game kicked off with Central Missouri (0-1,0-0 MIAA) getting out to an early lead, starting with a layup from Taylor Weishaar and then a three pointer from Cierra Smith. But the Storm (1-0, 0-0 GAC) didn't let that stop them.

Shannon Burton quickly responded with a layup to tie the game at 2-2. Central Missouri kept it going, extending their lead to 14-6 with a tip in by Allie Clevenger. SNU made a late push in the quarter, closing the gap to 14-10 as Burton scored again in the paint.

Umi Otsuka opened with a layup in the second quarter, cutting the UCMlead to 20-14. Hannah Giddey got in on the action, with a layup and an assist to Otsuka for a three pointer. By halftime, SNU was closing in, trailing just 35-32. 

The Storm came out strong in the third quarter. Giddey hit a free throw to get things started, and her jumper pushed the Storm ahead 38-35. It was a back and forth battle, but the Crimson Storm managed to finish the third quarter with a 47-43 lead, thanks to a big steal from Burton.

Giddey got it going again in the fourth quarter and scored again with a layup, keeping SNU ahead. With the clock winding down, Burton came through with another layup to make it 49-47.
Central Missouri fired back with a jumper, tying the game 49-49, but the Storm wasn't going to let that slide. Giddey took charge again, driving to the basket and drawing a foul. She made both free throws putting the Storm back on top at 51-49. 
As the clock started to wind down, Central Missouri tied it up once again at 55-55 with a quick jumper. Giddey came up clutch, finishing with another layup to make it 57-55. Otsuka stepped up once again, hitting a jumper to stretch the lead to 59-55.
In the final moments, the Storm held strong, making key free throws to secure the win. They walked away with a 68-65 victory over Central Missouri. 

Next Up

The Storm will take on No. 13 Pittsburg State Sunday, November 3 at 11:30 am in St. Joseph, Missouri in the Tip Off Challenge.