FORT SMITH, Ark. – The No. 4 seed Southern Nazarene opened the Great American Conference Tournament in dominant fashion Friday afternoon, defeating No. 5 seed East Central 89–65 inside Northside Arena to advance to the semifinals. 

Southern Nazarene (22–7, 15-7 GAC) delivered one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season, shooting 60.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while placing five players in double figures.

The Crimson Storm set the tone early, building a steady lead throughout the first half. SNU shot 55.2 percent in the opening 20 minutes and knocked down seven three-pointers to take a 41-30 advantage into halftime.

Southern Nazarene continued to pull away after the break, shooting an impressive 65.6 percent in the second half while outscoring the Tigers (15-14,10-12 GAC) 48-35 to secure the 24-point victory.

Joe Mpoyo provided a huge spark off the bench, leading all scorers with 21 points after knocking down five three-pointers. Malik Edwards, Baron Bracey, and Tracy Godfrey Jr. each added 14 points as the Storm offense remained balanced throughout the afternoon.

Godfrey Jr. was perfect from the field, finishing 7-for-7 while also grabbing seven rebounds. Edwards added four assists to go along with his four made threes, while Bracey contributed five rebounds and three assists.

Bam Johnson chipped in seven points and Colby Henderson added six points while dishing out five assists and recording four steals.

Southern Nazarene controlled the paint with 46 points inside and received a major lift from its bench, which outscored East Central's reserves 34-21.

Next Up

The Crimson Storm will now take on the No.1 seeded Bison of OKlahoma Baptist in the GAC Tournament semifinals Saturday, March 7 at noon in Fort Smith.