DIRKSE’S 30 POINTS KEEP TIGERBALL UNBEATEN AT HOME WITH WIN OVER JUDSON

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - Olivet Nazarene University's (ONU) women's basketball team powered past Judson University 127-81 in their conference home opener on Saturday, fueled by Olivia Dirkse's spectacular 30-point performance. The Tigers' offense was in full gear, with impressive shooting from beyond the arc as they hit 15 three-pointers. Dirkse's scoring clinic, combined with a well-rounded team effort, made for an exciting and dominant win.

The Tigers came out strong in the first quarter, outscoring Judson 42-22. Dirkse led the charge, knocking down 3 of 6 from three-point range to total 11 points in the opening period. Khendel Rolison also contributed early, adding 6 points, including a three-pointer, while Brooklyn Marshall made her mark with 8 points, making all of her field goal (3 for 3) and free throw attempts (2 for 2). ONU's sharp shooting from deep (38.9% from three-point range) set the tone, and their defense forced Judson to struggle early, holding them to just 22 points in the quarter.

In the second quarter, the Tigers continued to apply pressure, outscoring Judson 34-21. Dirkse remained red-hot, hitting two more three-pointers to bring her total to 19 points at the half. Rolison added 4 points and 2 assists, while Molli Ward stepped up with 8 points of her own. ONU's balanced attack kept the momentum going, shooting 40% from beyond the arc and holding a commanding 76-43 lead at halftime.

The third quarter was more of the same, with ONU outscoring Judson 31-21. Dirkse, who had been unstoppable all game, added 7 more points to bring her total to 26. Marshall was once again active, contributing 6 points, while Rolison, Bett O'Neal, and Madison Smith each contributed a combined 8 points. The Tigers' defense kept Judson off balance, holding them to just 33.3% shooting from the field. ONU's strong performance throughout the quarter extended their lead to 107-64 as they cruised into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, while Judson made a late push, the game was already in hand. Dirkse added 4 more points to finish with 30 for the game, while Marshall contributed 4 points to bring her total to 20 points. Rolison rounded out her solid performance with 5 points. The Tigers' depth and consistent scoring proved too much for Judson, and ONU wrapped up the game with a 127-81 victory.

Looking Ahead

The Tigers will look to extend their unbeaten conference record when they face the University of St. Francis in their next home game on December 11th at 7:00 PM CST. With their strong offensive and defensive play, ONU will be looking to build on this commanding performance as they prepare for another tough challenge in the conference.

--ONU—

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