TIGERS DROP SEASON OPENER ON SATURDAY
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Great Lakes Christian | 40 | 37 | 77 |
|
Olivet Nazarene (IL) | 32 | 31 | 63 |
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University fell to Great Lakes Christian College 77-63 on Saturday in McHie Arena. Despite a balanced attack with 15 assists and 32 total rebounds, the Tigers could not overcome Great Lakes Christian's 48.2% shooting from the field.
Olivet jumped out to an early 9-4 lead after a Mason Wood layup, and later increased it to 14-7 when Landen Hale made two free throws with 13:17 remaining in the first half. A few minutes later, Great Lakes Christian took the lead after an 8-0 run, and although Andrew Bennett's three-pointer stopped the run and gave the Tigers the lead again, it would be the last lead of the game for Olivet. Great Lakes Christian had the answer again and pulled away to end the first half. The Tigers went into the break trailing 32-40.
The Tigers started quick in the second half with Bennett hitting a 3-pointer just seconds in, assisted by Holder, and then Eli Edwards converting a free throw to cut into Great Lakes Christian's lead. Great Lakes Christian once again had the answer, and by the 14:17 mark of the second half, their lead increased to double digits. The Tigers struggled with turnovers throughout the half though and shot 3-for-13 from three, which allowed the visitors to maintain control and leave with a 77-63 victory.
Edwards led the effort with 17 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, while also contributing two blocks. Bennett added 12 points, connecting on four 3-pointers, and recorded three assists and two steals. Wood contributed with nine points, seven rebounds, and two steals, while Hale also finished with nine points and collected four rebounds.
The Tigers return to action on Tuesday, Nov. 4 when they head to Indianapolis, Ind. to face the Marian Knights.
--ONU--