TIGERS CRUISE TO VICTORY OVER CCSJ

WHITING, IN. ­-  Olivet Nazarene University's women's basketball team wrapped up the regular season in style on Saturday, defeating Calumet St. Joseph 99-73 on the road. 

The Tigers got off to a hot start, with Olivia Demosthenes drawing a foul and converting both free throws to open the scoring. The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. However, as the clock wound down, a series of clutch plays from the Tigers, including a crucial free throw from Brooklyn Marshall and a layup combined with a free throw from Khendel Rolison, propelled ONU to a commanding 31-15 lead by the end of the quarter. 

The Crimson Wave came out firing in the second quarter, hitting back-to-back threes to quickly cut the deficit to ten points. But ONU responded with a three-pointer of their own from Katie Draper, and they never looked back. Despite CCSJ's best efforts, the Tigers consistently matched their baskets and never let them get too close. A crucial layup by Anne Peters with just under a minute left in the half extended ONU's lead to 17 points. CCSJ managed to score six more points before the buzzer, but the Tigers still held a comfortable 46-35 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw ONU put the game out of reach. Preslee Michael opened the scoring with consecutive three-pointers, extending the lead to a dominant 17 points. CCSJ struggled to find their rhythm, and the Tigers continued to capitalize on their opportunities. With less than a minute left in the quarter, Bett O'Neal's clutch jumpshot pushed the lead to 20 points. CCSJ added a late three-pointer but ONU still held a significant lead of 74-57 heading into the final frame.

CCSJ made a final push in the fourth quarter, but ONU remained composed and never let them get too close. The Tigers continued to score efficiently and maintained their comfortable lead. While CCSJ made some impressive plays, it wasn't enough to overcome ONU's strong performance. The Tigers ultimately cruised to a 99-73 victory, closing out their regular season on a high note.

What's Next

The Tigers will now set their sights on the CCAC conference tournament, where they will travel to face Governors State University in the quarterfinals on February 27th. Gametime has yet to be determined. 

--ONU—

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