LATE FREE THROWS LIFT OLIVET OVER GOVERNORS STATE

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University edged Governors State University, 91-89, on Wednesday Night at McHie Arena. The Tigers capitalized on turnovers, scoring 29 points off Governors State's 26 turnovers.

Olivet began the game with a strong offensive performance, quickly establishing a lead with a series of successful paint plays by Caroline Sikkink. The Tigers maintained control with effective shooting, including a three-pointer by Lindsey Nell at 7:10, extending the lead to 9-2. Governors State attempted to narrow the gap, but the Tigers' defense held firm, allowing only sporadic scoring from the visitors. Olivet closed the quarter with a three-pointer from Ava Mikesell with just 16 seconds remaining, which capped the scoring at 25-16.

The Tigers extended their lead with a decisive 17-point advantage at 4:25 in the second quarter with another Mikesell three-pointer. Jayden Flagg and Brooklyn Marshall contributed in the paint, each adding key layups that maintained the momentum. While Governors State attempted to close the gap, the Tigers' defensive efforts, including five steals, kept them ahead. The quarter concluded with Olivet outscoring Governors State 22–20, leading 47–36 at halftime.

Sikkink sparked the Tigers in the third quarter with back-to-back layups, including one from a Mikesell assist, to extend their lead to 52-47 midway through the third quarter. The home team maintained offensive pressure, with Nell contributing a layup and a free throw to keep the advantage. Despite a late push from Governors State, the Tigers held firm, leading 64-63 at the quarter break.

Olivet took control early in the fourth quarter with a series of key plays, including a layup and free throw by Nell at 9:40, extending their lead to four points. Governors State briefly narrowed the gap with a three-pointer by Alayah Sprattling, but the Tigers responded with another layup from Marshall and a pair of free throws from Calee Biedron to maintain their lead. Midway through the quarter, the Tigers expanded their advantage to nine points after a layup by Sikkink at 5:55, assisted by Mya Skelton. Despite a late push by Governors State, who briefly took the lead with a three-pointer by Gabrielle McClain at 0:49, the Tigers regained control with a critical three-pointer by Preslee Michael at 0:25, assisted by Mikesell. After Governors State tied the game, Sikkink iced the game at the line by sinking two free throws with four seconds remaining to give Olivet the 91-89 win.  

Nell led the way with 24 points, converting 9 of 11 free throws and adding three rebounds. Sikkink contributed 16 points and collected four rebounds while also tallying two steals. Mikesell scored 11 points, making all three of her three-point attempts and recording four assists. Marshall finished with 11 points and added two steals to her effort.

Olivet returns to McHie Arena on Saturday, Dec. 3 when they host Indiana South Bend. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. 

--ONU--