HEARTBREAK IN SOUTH BEND AS TIGERS FALL TO IUSB IN CCAC CHAMPIONSHIP

SOUTH BEND, IN. – Olivet Nazarene University's women's basketball team came up just short in their quest for the CCAC Championship title, falling to the Indiana University South Bend Titans 91-87 on Saturday. 

The Tigers got off to a bright start, jumping out to an early 5-point lead. However, the Titans responded swiftly, orchestrating a 10-0 run to wrestle the lead away. Despite a three-pointer from Jamie Finn to keep ONU close, IUSB closed the quarter on a blistering 15-point run to establish a commanding 25-10 lead. The Tigers managed to chip away at the deficit with some free throws before the buzzer, but the uphill battle was set.

The second quarter saw a determined ONU squad trade baskets with IUSB, slowly chipping away at the lead. Despite IUSB's efforts to maintain their lead, the Tigers orchestrated a spirited 12-4 run, slashing the deficit to six points as they headed into halftime, trailing 38-32.

The third quarter continued the trend of back-and-forth action. Khendel Rolison opened the scoring with a three-pointer, bringing the Tigers within three points. Both teams traded baskets throughout the quarter, with ONU refusing to let IUSB pull away. Despite a late surge from ONU, IUSB managed to retain a six-point lead heading into the final quarter, with the score standing at 60-54.

The fourth quarter saw a similar pattern unfold. Brooklyn Marshall opened the scoring with a free throw, and the game remained close as both teams exchanged baskets. Midway through the quarter, Rolison, Michael, and Olivia Demosthenes combined for six points to cut the deficit to just three points. However, IUSB responded with a decisive 11-2 run to regain control of the game. The Tigers never gave up, with Michael hitting a last-second three-pointer, but ultimately, IUSB held on for the 91-87 victory and the CCAC Championship title.

What's Next

This heartbreaking loss signals the close of the season for ONU. The Tigers will look to build on their accomplishments and return stronger next season.

--ONU—

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