TIGERS FALL TO IUSB ON LAST SECOND SHOT

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – For the second year in a row, the Tigers took on the Titans from Indiana University-South Bend for a shot at the CCAC Tournament Title. In a game that went back and forth for all 40 minutes, it was only fitting that a last-second shot sealed the deal.

The Tigers jumped out to an early lead with CJ Smith (SR/Cumming, Ga.) sinking a three-pointer on the opening possession. This was closely followed by a made shot from beyond the arc by Cade Chitty (JR/White Heath, Ill.) and next thing you know a John Contant (SR/Hickory Hills, Ill.) layup gives the Tigers an 8-0 lead. About halfway through the period, the Titans would take their first lead, but six-straight points by Alex Gross (JR/Hope, Ind.) would later tie the game. Gross and Chitty played a huge role in this game, combining for 44 points and forcing the big-men from South Bend into foul trouble. With time running out in the first half Landon Pflederer (FR/Tremont, Ill.) hit a shot from deep, and then turned around and assisted a three-pointer by Smith to ensure the game would be tied at halftime.

Halftime: ONU 40, IUSB 40

Getting into the second half, Gross and Chitty remained relentless on the offensive end and tallied the first 16 points for the Tigers. When their offensive streak came to an end, it was a layup by Barik Olden (SO/Groveland, Ill.) that pushed the Tigers ahead by one. Shortly after, Olden separated from his defender to hit a three-pointer to take the lead with five minutes remaining. The Tigers continued to play to their strengths as time became short by feeding Gross in the paint. After a pair of made free throws by Gross, the Tigers held a four-point lead with 20-seconds remaining. After a quick layup by the Titans and an unfortunate miss from the free-throw line by the Tigers, the Titans put up a last-second three-pointer to cement a one-point victory, and claim the CCAC Tournament Title.

GAME VITALS

Score: Olivet Nazarene – 75 | IU-South Bend – 76

Records: Olivet Nazarene – 15-4 (12-1) | IU-South Bend – 6-0 (0-0)

Location: Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais, Ill. | McHie Arena

CCAC Tournament Final

STAT TRACKER

• Alex Gross: 24 points, seven rebounds, seven assists
• Cade Chitty: 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block
• John Contant: 13 points, five assists, three rebounds
• CJ Smith: eight points, two rebounds

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Tigers will wait to hear their name announced on the NAIA National Championships Selection Show on Thursday, March 4^th at 7 pm CT.

--ONU--

Contact: Brenten Couch, Sports Information GA, bjcouch@olivet.edu