TIGERS FALL SHORT IN ONE-POINT HEARTBREAKER AT SIENA NEIGHTS

ADRIAN, Mich. — Olivet Nazarene (IL) narrowly fell to Siena Heights, 85-84, despite forcing 23 turnovers and scoring 19 points off those opportunities.

The game opened with the Tigers taking an early advantage as Jayden Flagg hit a 3-pointer at 9:28, assisted by Mya Skelton. The visitors maintained momentum with effective free-throw shooting, including two from Brookelynn Buzzard at 6:36, which helped them edge ahead temporarily. However, Siena Heights responded, using strong play in the paint to establish an eight-point lead by 1:46. Despite a late three-pointer by Calee Biedron at 1:32, the Tigers trailed 23–17 at the end of the first quarter.

Olivet responded to an early deficit by closing the gap with a series of impactful plays. Flagg's back-to-back 3-pointers, assisted by Ava Mikesell and Skelton at 8:36 and 8:31, respectively, were crucial in narrowing the margin. Preslee Michael's layup and a subsequent 3-pointer from Buzzard, with an assist from Skelton, continued to keep the Tigers in a competitive position. Despite these efforts, Siena Heights maintained their lead with a balanced attack, extending the margin to a high of 11 points early in the quarter. The quarter concluded with Olivet tying Siena Heights in scoring, each adding 18 points to their tally, leaving the halftime score at 41-35 in favor of Siena Heights.

The Tigers began the third quarter with a strong start, as Biedron quickly scored two layups, narrowing the score to 41-39. Despite this effort, Siena Heights maintained their lead, bolstered by a 13-point advantage at one point. Olivet relied on contributions from the bench, including a 3-pointer by Lindsey Nell, but Siena Heights countered effectively, extending their lead late in the quarter. The period concluded with Olivet trailing 65-58, heading into the final stretch.

Olivet mounted a determined comeback effort in the fourth quarter, narrowing a significant lead by Siena Heights. Brooklyn Marshall's layup at 9:05, assisted by Nell, contributed to a consistent scoring pace for Olivet. Despite trailing, the Tigers stayed competitive, with Caroline Sikkink and Mikesell adding crucial points to keep the score close. In the final moments, Nell hit a pivotal 3-pointer with just one second remaining, pulling Olivet within one point. Despite the late surge, the Tigers could not overcome the deficit, and the game ended with a narrow 85-84 loss.

Marshall recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Flagg was effective from beyond the arc, scoring 14 points with four 3-pointers and adding two steals. Nell also made an impact defensively, tallying four steals and scoring nine points, all from 3-point range. Sikkink contributed 15 points and three steals, showcasing her ability to influence the game both offensively and defensively.

—ONU—

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