ONU’S COMEBACK BID FIZZLES OUT AGAINST REDHAWKS

GARY, IN. - Olivet Nazarene University women's basketball team fought valiantly but ultimately fell short on the road to the Indiana Northwest RedHawks on Saturday afternoon, dropping the contest 85-74. 

The game commenced with an intense exchange of three-pointers from both teams. Despite a neck-and-neck start, the RedHawks seized control with an impressive 11-point run, establishing a 10-point lead. Khendel Rolison's free throws narrowed the gap to 8, but the RedHawks responded, extending their lead with a layup. ONU fought back with a layup from Brooklyn Marshall and a three-pointer from Preslee Michael, narrowing the gap to 5. The teams exchanged triples down the stretch, but the RedHawks held a slim 26-19 lead after the opening quarter. 

The RedHawks opened the second with two layups, stretching their lead to 11. ONU responded with back-to-back three-pointers from Anne Peters and Kayleigh Flach, pulling within 5. However, Indiana countered with consecutive layups to maintain control. After another ONU three and a layup, the RedHawks continued to apply pressure, ultimately hitting a critical three-pointer just before halftime to take a 48-32 lead into the break.

The teams traded layups to begin the third quarter, but the RedHawks soon embarked on a 6-point run to build a 22-point lead. ONU kept battling, making crucial free throws to gradually chip away at the deficit. Late in the quarter, Michael sank another three-pointer, bringing the Tigers within 10 once again. However, a last-second layup by the RedHawks kept them ahead 67-55 heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a battle of free throws, with both teams cashing in from the charity stripe. ONU showed their fight with a 6-point run, bringing the score to within 10 points. But the RedHawks capitalized on some crucial free throws to extend their lead to 17. The Tigers wouldn't give up, scoring another 6 points in the final minutes. However, a late ONU foul allowed Indiana to make one final free throw, sealing the 85-74 victory.

 
What's Next

Looking ahead, ONU will regroup and prepare for their next challenge. The Tigers return to McHie Arena on Jan. 10th. to take on the Saints of Holy Cross College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CST.

--ONU—

*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu