SHAWNEE, Okla. — No. 18 Southern Nazarene ran into a tough road environment Thursday night, falling 84–61 to No. 20 Oklahoma Baptist in a Top-25 showdown inside the Noble Complex.

The Crimson Storm (13–4, 7–4 GAC) were challenged early by the Bison's (15-2,9-2 GAC) defensive pressure and shooting efficiency, as Oklahoma Baptist jumped out to a fast start and built a 50–18 advantage by halftime. The Bison shot nearly 59 percent from the floor in the opening half and controlled the tempo from the outset.

Southern Nazarene showed resilience after the break, outscoring Oklahoma Baptist 43–34 in the second half while finding better rhythm offensively. The Storm shot 45.7 percent from the floor after halftime and knocked down five three-pointers, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

Malik Edwards led SNU with 17 points, adding six assists, four steals, and a block while logging 38 minutes. Joe Mpoyo followed with 13 points and six rebounds, connecting on three triples, while Tracy Godfrey Jr. provided a steady presence inside with 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds. Xavier Ridenour chipped in seven points off the bench, and Colby Henderson added six points. 

Oklahoma Baptist held SNU to its lowest field goal percentage of the season at 35.1 percent, while limiting the Storm to just 20 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Terry Coner Jr. paced the Bison with 27 points, while Jackson Greene added 19.

Next Up

The Crimson Storm will host East Central on Monday, January 26 at 7:30 pm inside the Sawyer Center.