BIG FOURTH QUARTER NOT ENOUGH AS TIGERBALL FALLS ON THE ROAD

UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. – Olivet Nazarene University's (ONU) offense was clicking, but the Tigers couldn't slow down a red-hot Governors State squad, falling 105-95 on the road Saturday afternoon. Despite six ONU players scoring in double figures, the Jaguars' efficiency and inside presence proved to be the difference as they handed the Tigers their second straight loss.

Governors State came out aggressive in the first quarter, controlling the tempo and capitalizing on ONU's slow start. The Jaguars shot 55.6% from the field and knocked down all of their free-throw attempts, while the Tigers were limited to 27.8% shooting and 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. The Jaguars controlled the glass early, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Tigers. ONU found itself in an early hole, trailing 28-11 after one.

ONU responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Jaguars 29-23 behind a much-improved offensive effort. Hattie Hagedorn provided a spark off the bench, scoring seven of her 13 points in the period, while Brooklyn Marshall and Lindsey Nell added key buckets. The Tigers cut into the deficit before halftime, heading into the break trailing 51-40.

Governors State regained control in the third, using a 30-point quarter to push its lead back to double digits. The Tigers found offensive contributions from Olivia Dirkse, Marshall, and Khendel Rolison, but the Jaguars' efficiency remained the difference. ONU shot just 31.6% in the frame as Governors State extended its lead to 81-61 heading into the fourth. 

ONU fought hard in the fourth, pouring in 34 points to close the gap. Six Tigers finished in double figures, led by Marshall's 17 points, including six in the final frame. Dirkse and Hagedorn each added 13, while Rolison, Nell, and Preslee Michael all finished with 10. Michael provided a spark off the bench, scoring eight of her 10 points in the fourth, but the Tigers ultimately ran out of time as Governors State secured the win.

Looking Ahead

ONU returns home on Feb. 12th, for a conference matchup against Holy Cross College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CST.

--ONU—

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