TIGERBALL PROVES TO BE TOO MUCH IN WIN OVER ST. XAVIER

CHICAGO, IL. – Olivet Nazarene University's women's basketball team snatched an 84-79 victory from St. Xavier University on the road on Saturday.

From the opening tip, it was clear the Tigers weren't intimidated by hostile territory. Madison Smith splashed a three-pointer to set the tone, and Kayleigh Flach followed suit, stretching the lead to six points. Khendel Rolison then took over, finishing a pair of layups as the clock ticked down, giving ONU a commanding 21-11 advantage after the first quarter. 

The second quarter was a different story. St. Xavier came out with renewed energy, matching the Tigers basket for basket early on. Olivia Dirkse's four consecutive points gave ONU a brief 14-point cushion, but the Cougars battled back, hitting free throws and a clutch three-pointer to trim the deficit to just one point. Bett O'Neal's three-pointer temporarily halted their momentum, but a buzzer-beating trey by St. Xavier sent the teams into halftime with ONU clinging to a narrow 36-35 advantage.

The third quarter was a tightly contested affair. Both teams traded baskets and lead changes, with neither side willing to cede an inch. As the clock ticked down, St. Xavier managed to edge ahead by four points, but the Tigers clawed their way back, closing the gap to a single point heading into the final frame with a score of 54-53.

The fourth quarter was a tense battle, with each side exchanging layups and free throws. With the score tied at 59, Rolison stepped up with two crucial free throws to put ONU back in the lead. The Cougars responded with a four-point run, but Brooklyn Marshall's free throw knotted the score once again. Midway through the quarter, ONU unleashed a four-point run that proved to be the turning point. As the clock dwindled, ONU capitalized on free throws to slowly build their lead. St. Xavier managed one final layup, but a pair of free throws from ONU put the game on ice, securing the 84-79 victory for the Tigers.

What's Next

ONU will be looking to build on their momentum from this hard-fought victory and continue their climb up the conference standings. The Tigers will travel to Davenport, IA. to face the Fighting Bees of St. Ambrose University on Jan. 24th. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CST.

--ONU—

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