BETHANY, Okla. - The Crimson Storm delivered an impressive game at the Sawyer Center, claiming a 63-41 victory over Henderson State. Southern Nazarene was led by
Hannah Giddey, who recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
The Storm (10-5,7-2 GAC) got off to a solid start, taking charge early with some great offensive plays. Giddey kicked things off with a layup in the paint, thanks to an assist from Katie King. Henderson State (6-9, 4-5 GAC) tried to keep up with layups from Bobbi Bazzle and Natalie Cardenas, with Cardenas scoring on a set up by Brynlee Huggins. But SNU was not slowing down, putting together a run with buckets from King and Shannon Burton. By the end of the first quarter, the Storm was in control, leading 22-9.
Umi Otsuka brought the energy in the second quarter with back to back layups, including a lay up bucket after snagging a steal. Hannah Giddey chipped in another layup, while HSU's Klowie Pike and Tristin Keller added some points in the paint for the Reddies. Even with their push, SNU kept things rolling and went into halftime up 34-19.
The Crimson Storm kept the momentum going in the third quarter, with Otsuka staying hot, hitting a jumper and a layup. Giddey added to her big night with another bucket in the paint, thanks to an assist from King. Pike and Cardenas tried to keep Henderson State in it with a couple of layups, but the Reddies just couldn't close the gap. The Storm's defense stayed solid, helping SNU finish the quarter up 47-34.
The Storm kept things rolling in the final quarter to lock in the win. Giddey continued to fuel the fire, scoring in the paint and setting up Jillian Crawford for a layup. Katie King added a three pointer to push the lead even further. HSU tried to make a late push with three pointers from Sam Basson and Brynlee Huggins, both assisted by Basson, but it wasn't enough to stop the Storm. As the clock ran down, the Storm secured the 63-41 win over the Reddies in the Sawyer Center.
Next Up
The Crimson Storm will take on Ouachita Baptist in the Sawyer Center Saturday January 17 at 1:00 pm.