TIGERS COMPLETE CHICK-FIL-A CLASSIC SWEEP ON SATURDAY

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University secured an 87-76 victory over Mount Vernon Nazarene University at McHie Arena on Saturday during day two of the Chick-Fil-A Classic. The Tigers capitalized on 21 steals to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Olivet started the game with a defensive intensity that forced several Mount Vernon turnovers and led to an early lead for the Tigers. Lindsey Nell's three-pointer at 5:41, assisted by Ava Mikesell, pushed the Tigers ahead 10-5. Scoring stalled for the next few minutes and then with just under one minute left in the quarter, Mount Vernon cut the Olivet lead to one. The Tigers had an answer though, and after two free throws by Jayden Flagg and two more from Elisabeth Good, Olivet held a 16-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

Olivet Nazarene extended their lead in the second quarter, capitalizing on a strong sequence midway through the period to build an 18-point advantage with 2:50 left in the half. Flagg and Good contributed key 3-pointers during this stretch, with Flagg's shot at 5:52 giving the Tigers a 10-point cushion. Despite Mount Vernon's efforts, Olivet maintained their momentum. The first half ended with the Tigers outscoring their opponents 25-19 in the second quarter and leading 41-30 in the game.

The Cougars came out fighting in the second half and by the 6:50 mark of the third quarter, the Tigers' lead was cut to four. Lindsey Nell responded with a 5-0 run of her own to stall Mount Vernon's momentum and push the lead back to nine for the Tigers. A couple of minutes later, back to back threes by Ava Mikesell and Kalli Papenfuss extended the lead even further for Olivet. The quarter ended with a flurry and after a Nell steal and layup to beat the buzzer, Olivet ended the third quarter with a 66-52 advantage.  

The Tigers maintained control throughout the fourth quarter, with their largest lead hitting 19 points after Brookelynn Buzzard's layup and subsequent free throw with 7:13 remaining in the game. Mount Vernon had one last run in them but could only cut the Tiger's lead to 10, and Olivet closed the game with a 87-76 win on their home court. 

Nell led the team with 21 points, converting six baskets and going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line while also securing six rebounds. Calee Biedron contributed 10 points and recorded four steals. Good finished with 10 points on 2-for-5 shooting from three and secured 6 rebounds. Flagg added eight points and corralled four rebounds.

The Tigers improve to 2-0 on the season, while Mount Vernon drops to 1-2 overall. 

Next up for Tigerball is their first road game of the season, where they will head to Upldand, Ind. on Wednesday, Nov. 5 to battle the Taylor Trojans.

--ONU--