TIGERS BATTLE HARD BUT DROP 111-90 ROAD CONTEST TO TAYLOR

UPLAND, Ind. — Taylor (IN) (3-0) defeated Olivet Nazarene (IL) (2-1) 111-90 on Wednesday at Odle Arena, with the home team shooting 66.7 percent from beyond the arc.

The game commenced with Olivet Nazarene taking an early lead, propelled by Calee Biedron's fast-break layup and Brooklyn Marshall's jumper, establishing a 6-0 advantage at the 7:42 mark. Despite this strong start, Taylor responded with a significant scoring run, overtaking Olivet Nazarene and extending their lead to 27-15 by the end of the first quarter. The Tigers saw contributions from Lindsey Nell and Biedron in the final minutes, but they trailed at the conclusion of the period.

Marshall provided a strong offensive start for Olivet Nazarene in the second quarter, scoring a layup with an assist from Ava Mikesell at 9:53, setting the tone for a competitive quarter. Jayden Flagg contributed with a three-pointer at 5:04, again assisted by Mikesell, as they attempted to close the gap against the Trojans. Despite their efforts, including a layup by Caroline Sikkink near the end of the quarter, Olivet Nazarene was unable to overcome Taylor's early lead. The home team maintained a 28-23 advantage in the second quarter. At the end of the game, Taylor secured the win with a final score of 55-38.

In the third quarter, Olivet Nazarene attempted to close the gap with a series of three-pointers, including two from Nell in the early minutes, and another by Mikesell at 3:09. Despite their efforts, Taylor maintained their lead by capitalizing on points in the paint. The Tigers showed resilience with contributions from multiple players, yet Taylor ended the quarter with a 29-28 advantage. The game concluded with Taylor securing an 84-66 victory.

Olivet Nazarene made a determined push in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a series of three-point shots from Nell and Flagg. Sikkink contributed with a quick fastbreak layup and an additional free throw at 8:24, which briefly cut into Taylor's lead. Despite Olivet Nazarene's efforts, including defensive plays and timely steals, Taylor maintained their advantage with consistent scoring in the paint and fast breaks, eventually securing the win.

The Tigers scored 24 points in the final quarter, with a strong contribution from their bench. The game concluded with Taylor emerging victorious with a final score of 111-90.

Nell led the scoring with 21 points, including three three-pointers, and contributed defensively with two steals. Flagg added 17 points, shooting 5-for-10 from beyond the arc, while also securing five rebounds. Marshall finished with 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting and recorded three steals. Mikesell provided support with six points, two steals, and five assists.

—ONU—

*Contact: Annabel Murley, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, almurley@olivet.edu