TIGERS DOMINATE HOLY CROSS TO KEEP PACE IN THE CCAC TITLE HUNT

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene (IL) (16-8, 12-4) secured a decisive 90-67 victory over Holy Cross (9-15, 4-12) on Saturday at McHie Arena. With a Governors State loss, there is now a three-way tie at the top of the CCAC. 

Olivet began the first half strongly, opening with a 3-point play from Eli Edwards after just 26 seconds. They maintained a steady offensive pace, highlighted by Andrew Bennett's jumper and Dylan Fey's 3-pointer, to build a lead. Mason Wood contributed a layup at 1:53, giving the Tigers an 18-point advantage. The half ended with Olivet leading Holy Cross 45–31.

The Tigers established a commanding lead in the second half, highlighted by a scoring surge that included key contributions from Edwards and Bennett. Edwards consistently found the basket, contributing a series of layups and jumpers, while Bennett added two crucial 3-pointers, extending the home team's advantage. With a strong performance on the boards, the Tigers maintained control, outrebounding Holy Cross 25-12. The final score was 90-67 with the Tigers securing the win.

Bennett scored 21 points, making 7 of 15 field goals and 4 of 10 from beyond the arc, while also collecting four assists and three steals. Edwards posted a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, converting 10 of 15 shots and recording three blocks. Wood added 14 points, with two 3-pointers and eight rebounds, and dished out four assists. Keagen Holder contributed with nine assists and nine rebounds, finishing with seven points.

The Tigers have a record of 16-8 overall and 12-4 in conference play. Holy Cross stands at 9-15 overall with a 4-12 record in conference competition.