FAST START KEYS TIGERS IN 91-84 WIN AGAINST TITANS

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University (7-4, 4-1) defeated Indiana University South Bend (6-4, 3-2), 91-84, at McHie Arena, capitalizing on 18 steals to secure the win.

The Tigers began the game with strong offensive execution, opening with a 5–0 run highlighted by Ava Mikesell's 3-pointer at 9:15. Olivet maintained momentum through effective ball movement, recording eight assists on their 10 baskets. Lindsey Nell contributed two 3-pointers, including one at 1:07 assisted by Jayden Flagg, helping build a 13-point lead. The quarter concluded with the Tigers ahead 25–14.

Olivet extended their lead to 14 points at 4:37 in the second quarter, fueled by Brookelynn Buzzard's 3-pointer. Elisabeth Good kept momentum on Olivet's side with nine points in the quarter. Despite the Titans narrowing the gap with a late run, Olivet maintained a lead, closing the first half with a 50–43 advantage.

The third quarter saw the teams go back-and-forth throughout. The Titans cut the lead to five with 7:52 remaining in the quarter, and the largest lead for the Tigers was 10 points when Jayden Flagg hit a 3-pointer at 3:17. Heading into the final quarter, Olivet held a 66-57 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Titans cut the lead to four with 5:45 remaining, but two 3-pointers by Mikesell 30 seconds apart sparked a Tiger run that gave them a little cushion. Then, Good's 3-pointer at 4:21 solidified a 12-point lead for Olivet. With less than a minute to go, several key free throws and a couple of stops down the stretch secured the 91-84 win.

Nell led the team with 16 points, hitting three 3-pointers and grabbing five rebounds. Good contributed 12 points and added five rebounds, while also recording three steals. Flagg dished out five assists and scored four points. Marshall scored 10 points and collected six rebounds, enhancing the team's defensive efforts with two steals.

Olivet improved to 7-4 overall and 4-1 in conference play with their victory. South Bend now holds a 6-4 overall record and is 3-2 in conference competition.

The Tigers now look forward to a trip to Phoenix, Ariz. where they will play two games in the Desert Classic on Dec. 19-20. 

--ONU--