TIGERBALL RUNS OUT OF GAS, BOWS OUT OF CCAC TOURNAMENT AFTER SEMIFINAL LOSS

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Olivet Nazarene University came within moments of securing a spot in the CCAC championship game, but the University of St. Francis staged a late rally to hand the Tigers a 76-74 loss in Friday's semifinal matchup at McHie Arena. The Tigers had a chance to extend or win the game in the final seconds, but their last attempt rimmed out as time expired.

St. Francis opened the game with early momentum, shooting 43.8% from the field in the first quarter. The Tigers countered with inside scoring from Brooklyn Marshall, who tallied four of her 17 points in the opening frame, and defensive intensity that forced six turnovers. ONU trailed 19-16 after one.

ONU put together an offensive surge in the second quarter, outscoring the Fighting Saints 25-23 behind efficient perimeter shooting. Olivia Dirkse and Khendel Rolison combined for four three-pointers in the frame, helping the Tigers stay within reach. Despite ONU holding a narrow lead late in the quarter, St. Francis converted key baskets to keep pace, and the game went into halftime with the Tigers trailing 42-41.

The third quarter was a defensive grind, as ONU held St. Francis to just 30.8% shooting. The Tigers took advantage at the free-throw line, with Marshall going 2-for-2 as part of her six-point quarter, while Dirkse added five points, including a three-pointer. Despite ONU's efforts, the Fighting Saints remained within striking distance, setting up a decisive fourth quarter with the Tigers leading 56-53.

As the game tightened in the fourth, the Tigers looked poised to seize control, building a 71-61 lead. However, the wheels fell off down the stretch as St. Francis responded with an 11-0 run to take the lead. ONU struggled to find clean looks while the Fighting Saints executed offensively, shooting 50% in the quarter. The Tigers still had a chance in the final moments, but their last attempt did not fall, ending their conference tournament run.

Looking Ahead

With the loss, ONU now turns its focus to the NAIA national tournament, looking to extend its postseason run. The Tigers will await their seeding and opponent as the national bracket is set in the coming days.

—ONU—

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