HOT 3PT SHOOTING LEADS THE TIGERS TO THEIR SEVENTH STRAIGHT WIN

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene (IL) (16-5, 12-1) defeated Viterbo (9-11, 7-6), 103-63, with a hot shooting 3pt shooting performace. Tigerball made 15 threes at a 40% clip.

The game commenced with Viterbo seizing an early 4-0 advantage through Lauryn Goettl's layup at 9:57. The Tigers responded with a 7-point run, highlighted by Preslee Michael's three-pointer at 9:11, to take the lead. Olivia Dirkse then extended the lead to 11-5 with a three-pointer at 7:45. Olivet reclaimed control with Caroline Sikkink and Dirkse contributing key points, and Kalli Papenfuss scoring a layup with 20 seconds left to conclude the quarter with a 21-18 lead.

The Tigers expanded their lead significantly with a dominate second quarter performance, forcing the V-Hawks into 12 turnovers. Key moments included a 3-pointer by Michael at 8:28, assisted by Calee Biedron, which sparked a stretch of scoring that widened the gap. Sikkink added another three-pointer at 7:13, further boosting the momentum. The Tigers were hot from beyond the arc, hitting six 3-pointers in the quarter, and led by as many as 32 points. The first half concluded with the Tigers leading 55–27.

The Tigers extended their control in the third quarter, beginning with a strong offensive performance. Lindsey Nell contributed with a layup and a jumper, while Sikkink added crucial points from the free-throw line. Olivet's press was equally impactful, recording five steals in the quarter. Ava Mikesell and Michael each made key plays, with Michael sinking a 3-pointer that helped push Olivet to their largest lead of 42 points with 1:43 remaining. The third quarter ended with the Tigers ahead 83-46.

The 4th quarter was much of the same for the Tigers, highlighted by Nell's three-pointer at 5:28 and Brooklyn Marshall's layup at 5:11. Brookelynn Buzzard added a three-pointer at 1:27, and Carlee Snyder sealed the scoring with two free throws at 0:43. The game concluded with Olivet Nazarene securing a decisive 103–63 victory.

Nell scored a game high 18 points, making 7 of 13 field goals, and collected four steals. Dirkse added 12 points, converting all five of her free throws, and grabbed four rebounds. Michael tallied 16 points, hitting 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, and recorded three steals. Biedron contributed with eight points, five assists, and three steals.

Olivet Nazarene improved to 16-5 overall and 12-1 in conference play. Viterbo is now 9-11 overall and 7-6 in conference competition.