BETHANY, Okla. - Southern Nazarene University battled Monday night inside the Sawyer Center but came up short in a 65–57 loss to East Central.

The Crimson Storm (17-7, 11-7 GAC) were locked in a tight contest from the opening tip, as the game featured seven ties and nine lead changes. SNU trailed by just two at halftime, 28-26, despite shooting 23 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes. The Storm leaned on their defense early, forcing 13 turnovers in the game and holding the Tigers (13-11, 8-10 GAC) to 45.8 percent shooting in the first half to stay within striking distance.

East Central found a rhythm offensively after the break, shooting 56.5 percent in the second half to slowly create separation. The Tigers used a 37-point second half and a 42-18 advantage in the paint to build their lead, capitalizing on high-percentage looks around the rim.

SNU responded with improved efficiency in the second half, shooting 44.4 percent after the break and knocking down four triples, but could not fully close the gap down the stretch.

Baron Bracey led the Storm with 18 points, going 3-of-7 from beyond the arc and 5-of-5 at the free-throw line while adding four rebounds and a block. Aaron Potter provided a strong spark off the bench with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting and three three-pointers. Tracy Godfrey Jr. added seven points and a team-high six rebounds, while Brady Cook chipped in six points and three assists.

The Storm finished 8-of-29 from three-point range and 13-of-15 from the free-throw line, while winning the turnover battle and matching the Tigers with 29 rebounds. SNU's bench contributed 20 points in the effort.

Next Up

Southern Nazarene is set to host No. 16 Ouachita Baptist on Thursday, February 19 at 7:30 pm in the Sawyer Center.