ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — No. 14 Southern Nazarene saw a strong first half slip away Saturday afternoon, falling 83–75 to Ouachita Baptist on the road in Great American Conference action.

The Crimson Storm (13–3, 7–3 GAC) came out sharp on the road, building momentum early and carrying a 42–33 advantage into the locker room after an efficient opening 20 minutes. SNU shot 56 percent from the floor in the first half and knocked down 9-of-10 three-point attempts, controlling the tempo and dictating play on both ends.

Ouachita Baptist (13–3, 9–1 GAC) responded after the break, however, using a decisive second-half surge to flip the game. The Tigers outscored the Storm 50–33 in the final period, leaning on hot shooting and timely free throws to pull ahead late and secure the eight-point victory. 

Joe Mpoyo led the way for Southern Nazarene with a career-high 23 points, knocking down six three-pointers and shooting 7-of-9 from the field in a standout performance. Baron Bracey followed with 15 points, hitting three triples while adding five rebounds and four assists, and Tracy Godfrey Jr. chipped in 16 points with a perfect 4-for-4 effort at the free-throw line.

Colby Henderson and Malik Edwards each added nine points, with Henderson grabbing five rebounds and Edwards contributing four assists. 

Southern Nazarene finished the afternoon shooting an impressive 56.5 percent from the field and 63.2 percent from three-point range, but was outpaced at the foul line as Ouachita Baptist knocked down 13 free throws in the second half. Clutch shooting and free throws proved to be the difference as the Tigers secured the 83-75 victory in Arkadelphia.

Next Up

The Storm will head to Shawnee to take on Oklahoma Baptist on Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 pm.