BETHANY, Okla. — Southern Nazarene delivered another strong defensive performance Saturday afternoon, pulling away in the second half to defeat Arkansas Tech 62–39 inside the Sawyer Center.

The Crimson Storm (12–2, 6–2 GAC) and Wonder Boys (4–11, 2–6 GAC) struggled to find buckets in the first half, with SNU carrying a slim 22–18 advantage into the break after both teams struggled to find consistent offense early.

Everything changed after halftime. Southern Nazarene erupted for 40 second-half points while holding Arkansas Tech to just 21, turning a four-point game into a commanding 23-point victory. The Storm attacked the basket relentlessly in the final 20 minutes, shooting 94.7 percent from the free-throw line in the second half and using pressure defense to completely control the tempo.

Baron Bracey and Tracy Godfrey Jr. led the way with 11 points apiece. Godfrey added a team-high 10 rebounds to record his fifth double-double this season, while Bracey finished with eight boards and two assists in a steady all-around effort.

Joe Mpoyo provided a major spark off the bench, pouring in a game-high 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including four three-pointers. Malik Edwards followed with eight points and four steals, while Colby Henderson chipped in six points and six rebounds.

Southern Nazarene's bench proved to be a difference-maker, outscoring Arkansas Tech 31–16, and the Storm forced 25 turnovers which they converted into 24 points. SNU also controlled the glass, 37–34, and finished with 16 steals in an aggressive defensive effort that never allowed the Wonder Boys to gain momentum.

Defensively, the Crimson Storm held Arkansas Tech to just 31.1 percent shooting from the field and a frigid 11.8 percent from beyond the arc, suffocating the Wonder Boys throughout the afternoon and closing the contest with authority, 62–39.

Next Up

The Crimson Storm will hit the road as they travel to Arkadelphia to take on Henderson State on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 pm.