ONU UNABLE TO OVERCOME HOLY CROSS' HOT START ON THE ROAD

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Olivet Nazarene University's (ONU) women's basketball team fell short in a hard-fought conference game against Holy Cross College on Wednesday night, losing 101-88. 

In the first quarter, both teams traded baskets early on, with neither team gaining a clear advantage. However, Holy Cross quickly found their rhythm and jumped out to a 10-point lead by the end of the period, finishing with a 22-12 lead. ONU struggled with their shooting, making only 22.7% of their attempts, while Holy Cross shot an impressive 66.7% from the field to close out the quarter with the early momentum.

Holy Cross extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring ONU 26-14. Despite some sparks from ONU, including a 3-point contribution from Bett O'Neal, the Tigers struggled with their shooting, finishing the quarter with just 31.6% from the field. Meanwhile, Holy Cross continued to execute efficiently, shooting 52.6% and dominating the period. By halftime, ONU found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 48-26.

The third quarter saw Holy Cross outscore ONU 25-21. Despite shooting 53.8% from the field in the period, the Tigers struggled to overcome Holy Cross's scorching 72.7% shooting. Preslee Michael added 5 points to her tally, and Khendel Rolison continued to contribute, but Holy Cross's offensive efficiency, especially in the paint and from beyond the arc, kept the Tigers at bay. Heading into the final quarter, ONU trailed 73-51, still fighting but needing a strong push to make a comeback.

ONU came alive in the fourth quarter, outscoring Holy Cross 41-28 in a furious rally. The Tigers shot 61.9% from the field in the final period, including three three-pointers from O'Neal. Despite the late surge, Holy Cross shot 60.0% from the field and was able to hold off ONU's rally. O'Neal finished with 20 points, and Calee Biedron added 15, but it wasn't enough to close the gap, and ONU fell 101-88.

Looking Ahead

ONU will return home to face Governors State University on Jan. 11th, at 1:00 p.m. CST in a critical conference matchup. After a tough road loss, the Tigers will be eager to bounce back and get back on track in front of their home crowd.

--ONU—

*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu