DURANT, Okla. - Southern Nazarene battled until the final seconds but came up short in a 65-60 loss to Southeastern Oklahoma State on Thursday evening.

The Crimson Storm (9-16, 9-12 GAC) jumped out to a strong start, taking a 19-11 lead after the first quarter behind efficient shooting and solid defensive stops. SNU held Southeastern Oklahoma State (15-12, 12-9 GAC) scoreless for stretches early and controlled the tempo through the opening 10 minutes.

The Savage Storm answered in the second quarter, outscoring the Crimson Storm 19-6 to take a 30-25 lead into halftime. Despite the momentum shift, Southern Nazarene continued to fight, using a 21-point third quarter to keep things within reach heading into the final period.

SNU trailed 54-46 early in the fourth but chipped away at the deficit with key buckets from Jordan Hoffman and Carley Gasaway. A pair of late free throws from Shannon Burton cut the lead to one with 19 seconds remaining, but Southeastern converted at the line in the closing seconds to secure the five point win.

Halyn Browning and Jordan Hoffman led the Storm with 14 points apiece. Browning knocked down three triples and added four rebounds and three assists, while Hoffman shot 5-of-7 from the field and finished with two rebounds and three steals.

Nessa Begay provided a strong spark off the bench with 13 points, attacking the paint and getting to the free-throw line throughout the contest. Gasaway added eight points, including two clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter to help keep Southern Nazarene within striking distance.

The Crimson Storm shot 35.7% from the field and forced 17 Southeastern turnovers, turning them into 17 points. SNU also received 21 points from its bench in the competitive road matchup.

Next Up
Southern Nazarene will look to bounce back as they host Northwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 pm.