ADA, Okla. - Southern Nazarene kicked off 2025 with a strong win over East Central. The Crimson Storm took the game 56-49 over the Tigers in their first matchup of the new year. The Storm were led by Hannah Giddey, who put up her fifth double-double.
 
The game started with East Central (4-6, 2-4 GAC)  jumping out to a quick lead, ending the first quarter up 16-10. The Tigers were aggressive early, as Eva Fernandez and Katie Edelen both put up layups and jumpers. SNU (8-4, 5-1 GAC)  was not far behind, with Hannah Giddey getting things going with a nice jumper and Braci Nyberg adding a layup.

In the second quarter, things started to click for Southern Nazarene. Giddey was everywhere, scoring in the paint and making a big assist to Nyberg for another layup. Jillian Crawford also got in the mix with a jumper off an assist from Giddey. The Storm pushed ahead and went into halftime with a 29-25 lead.

Coming out of the break, SNU kept their lead and East Central tried to chip away at it. Katie King hit a jumper, and Umi Otsuka added a quick shot as well. Carley Gasaway knocked down a three pointer, assisted by Giddey, while the Tigers tried to respond with some big plays of their own. A three pointer from Tatum Havens and a couple of layups from Fernandez gave ECU some momentum, but the Crimson Storm held strong, finishing the third quarter with a 45-40 lead.

In the fourth quarter, East Central tried to comeback, with Edelen sinking another three pointer and a notching a layup from Chloe Malone. But Giddey's free throws and a layup from Nyberg, assisted by Otsuka, kept the Storm in control. In the end, the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm sealed the deal with a 56-49 win.

Next Up
The Crimson Storm will take on Harding University Thursday, January 9th at 5:30 pm in Searcy, Arkansas.