TIGERBALL ROARS BACK FROM 19 POINT DEFICIT TO PICK UP A HUGE ROAD WIN IN SOUTH BEND

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Olivet Nazarene University edged Indiana University South Bend, 86-85, with a decisive fourth-quarter surge. The Tigers were down as much as 19 in the 3rd quarter and roared back for a comeback win.

Olivet opened the first quarter with a quick 3-pointer by Jayden Flagg assisted by Calee Biedron, setting the tone early. Despite maintaining a consistent scoring effort, including another 3-pointer by Mya Skelton, the Tigers faced pressure from Indiana South Bend, who pulled ahead with a strong inside game. Olivet closed the quarter trailing 25-17.

The Tigers struggled to hold momentum in the second quarter despite a strong start, with Brooklyn Marshall scoring a layup at 9:46 assisted by Flagg. Olivia Dirkse contributed with a 3-pointer and a layup, but turnovers hindered the Tigers. Preslee Michael added a 3-pointer, yet the Titans maintained control, extending their lead. The quarter concluded with Olivet Nazarene trailing 46–31.

Tigerball got down by as many as 19 in the third quarter, but surged back. Michael started the run with a three-pointer at 4:01, followed by Elisabeth Good's tip-in at 3:41, tightening the gap. Dirkse and Nell both added layups towards the end of the quarter helping spark a 19-4 run to close the third.

The Tigers overturned a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter, marked by pivotal 3-pointers from Grace Bush at 7:29 and Dirkse at 1:12, to seize control. The biggest shot of the game came from Caroline Sikkink when she hit the dagger 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining, extending the lead to four points. The Tigers climbed the mountain, completing the comeback with a final of 86-85.

Dirkse scored 23 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded five rebounds. Biedron added 15 points, shooting 6-for-10 from the field, and contributed three assists. Michael collected nine rebounds and tallied eight points, converting two 3-pointers. Flagg scored nine points, all from beyond the arc, and grabbed four rebounds.

The Tigers have a record of 19-6 overall and 15-2 in conference play. The Titans stand at 17-7 overall with a conference record of 12-4. They are one win away from clinching the CCAC Regular Season Championship.