LUBBOCK, Texas - Southern Nazarene made the trip to west Texas for the Fairfield Inn Classic, taking on No. 7 Lubbock Christian, but the Crimson Storm couldn't keep up with the nationally ranked Chaparrals, falling 72–49 on Friday night.
LCU (5-0, 0-0 LSC) opened things up right away with a clean layup from Kennedy Chappell, but SNU (0-2, 0-0 GAC) answered quickly as
Shannon Burton knocked down a smooth jumper. Moments later,
Hannah Duncan drilled a three off a kick-out from
Boston Berry, giving SNU a little spark. Even with the early buckets, Lubbock Christian got rolling fast and built a 15-5 lead.
Jena Bay kept SNU in it with a deep three, and
Nessa Begay added a free throw before
Halyn Browning knocked down two more at the line. Still, the Chaparrals held control after one, leading 21-11.
In the second quarter, LCU struck first again, this time with a three from Meg Meekins.
Jillian Crawford tried to swing momentum back SNU's way with back to back jumpers in the paint, including one set up nicely by Browning. But Lubbock Christian's offense stayed strong and the Storm couldn't quite close the gap, heading into halftime trailing 40-21.
Coming out of the break, SNU tried to claw back. Browning opened the third with a big three pointer, and Duncan followed with a layup inside off another solid assist from Browning.
Jordan Hoffman added a free throw to keep the Storm moving. Still, Lubbock Christian continued to hit shots and control the pace, keeping a firm grip on the game. After three quarters, the Crimson Storm faced a tough 59-36 deficit.
Early in the fourth, Southern Nazarene got a little energy as
Carley Gasaway jumped a passing lane for a steal, setting up a clean layup from Duncan. Bay knocked down a pair of free throws and later buried another three-pointer to add to her strong night. But the Chaparrals lead was too much to overcome, and Lubbock Christian closed things out for a 72-49 win.
Southern Nazarene now looks ahead to regroup and bounce back as the Fairfield Inn Classic continues in Lubbock.
Next Up
The Crimson Storm will take on Texas Permian Basin on Saturday, November 22, at 3:30 pm.
