ONU OPENS SEASON WITH 135-51 WIN DURING DAY ONE OF CHICK-FIL-A CLASSIC

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University dominated St. Mary-of-the-Woods College 135-51 on Friday in McHie Arena, forcing 59 turnovers and scoring 93 points off those turnovers to secure the victory.

Olivet opened the game slow and fell behind early, but halfway through the first quarter the Tigers went on a 20-0 run and never looked back. Lindsey Nell sparked the run by contributing 10 of her own points in that span. By the end of the first quarter, the Tigers led 36-14, having forced 16 turnovers from the Pomeroys.

The Tigers dominated the second quarter, using their patented Tigerball press to create 15 turnovers in the period. Nell once again led the way for the Tigers, scoring seven points on 3/5 shooting from the field. Brookelynn Buzzard made both of her three point attempts, as the team went 4/9 from behind the arc in the quarter. After consecutive 36-point quarters for the Tigers, they took a commanding 72-24 lead into the break. 

The third quarter was much of the same for Olivet. Nell's three-pointer at 7:54 pushed the score to 81-26, and the Tigers then racked up 15 more steals in the quarter. At the end of the third quarter, Olivet led 103-36.

As Olivet slowed down the pace in the fourth quarter, Calee Biedron led the team in scoring for the quarter with 8 points. The Tigers scored 25 points off turnovers and secured an 18-point advantage in the paint. The Tigers' defense was equally effective, forcing 12 turnovers, with 10 of those turnovers resulting in steals. Olivet eventually ran out the clock to finish off the 135-51 victory.

Lindsey Nell led the team in scoring with 29 points on 11/17 shooting from the field and 5/10 from three point range, while also adding 6 steals. Brooklyn Marshall and Calee Biedron both finished with 15 points in the game, with Marshall going 6/8 from the field and Biedron shooting 6/12 in total. Brookelynn Buzzard contributed 14 points on 4/9 shooting from deep and added 5 steals. Ava Mikesell also pitched in 14 points, while going 7/8 from the free throw line and adding 7 steals and 5 assists. 

--ONU--