ONU SHUTS DOWN IUN IN 89-51 WIN

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - Olivet Nazarene University's (ONU) women's basketball team kicked off 2025 with a bang, delivering a dominant 89-51 victory over Indiana University Northwest on Saturday afternoon in their first conference home game of the year. The Tigers were firing on all cylinders, with a plethora of standout performances, including four players in double figures. The Tigers' solid team play and stifling defense was too much for Indiana Northwest, and the Tigers left no doubt in their 2025 debut.

From the tip-off, ONU's defense set the tone. The Tigers held Indiana Northwest to just 22.2% shooting in the first quarter, allowing only 9 points. Olivia Dirkse was at the forefront, scoring 4 points and grabbing 1 rebound, while Preslee Michael added 6 points and 1 rebound. Bett O'Neal contributed an assist to help facilitate the offense. Despite shooting only 30.0% from the field in the first quarter, ONU's defense was suffocating, and the Tigers led 16-9 after the opening period.

The Tigers came alive offensively in the second quarter, outscoring the Redhawks 30-11. ONU shot 46.2% from the field and 20.0% from three-point range in the period. Dirkse contributed 10 points and 1 rebound, while Calee Biedron added 4 points. ONU's ball movement and relentless defense forced Indiana Northwest into several turnovers, and the Tigers held a commanding 46-20 lead at halftime. The Redhawks improved slightly in the quarter, shooting 38.5% from the field, but they struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting just 1 of 5 attempts.

In the third quarter, ONU outscored Indiana Northwest 19-15. Despite shooting only 26.9% from the field in the period, the Tigers continued to stifle their opponents defensively, holding them to just 42.9% shooting. Biedron added 6 points and 1 rebound, while O'Neal contributed 2 points of her own. The Tigers' defense was relentless, forcing 5 turnovers and maintaining a comfortable 65-35 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Tigers finished strong, outscoring Indiana Northwest 24-16. O'Neal led the charge with 7 points and 2 rebounds, while Michael added 5 points and 1 rebound. Dirkse chipped in 3 more points to finish with 17 for the game, and Biedron rounded out her stellar performance with 10 points and 5 assists. ONU shot 35.1% from the field and 25.9% from three-point range for the game, while the Redhawks shot 40.0% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc. However, the Tigers' defense held firm, ensuring a dominant 89-51 victory.

Looking Ahead

ONU will travel to Holy Cross College on January 8th, for a 4:30 p.m. CST conference game. After this impressive start to 2025, the Tigers will aim to carry their momentum into their next matchup.

--ONU—

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