GARY, Ind. — Olivet Nazarene University (3-2, 1-0) defeated Indiana University Northwest (1-5, 0-1), 97-68, capitalizing on 24 steals and a 45-point advantage off turnovers.

Olivet started slow and fell behind early, but a Jayden Flagg three-pointer put the first points on the board for the Tigers nearly two minutes into the game. After falling behind by seven points at the 5:10 mark of the first quarter, Olivet climbed back and Lindsey Nell's three-pointer at 1:55 tied the score at 18. Mya Skelton followed with another three-pointer at 0:52, giving Olivet a brief 21-20 lead. However, the RedHawks closed the quarter strong and secured a 25-21 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers seized control in the second quarter with a decisive 36-point surge, highlighted by causing 18 Indiana Northwest turnovers and a 10-3 advantage on the boards. Key plays included Preslee Michael's consecutive three-pointers at 7:11 and 5:58, extending the lead. The Tigers capitalized on the RedHawks' turnovers, amassing eight steals and converting them into points, leading to a large advantage by the end of the quarter. Olivet finished the first half ahead 57-35.

The Tigers dominated the third quarter as well, with a decisive 14-point advantage, bolstered by a strong defensive presence that forced 11 turnovers from Indiana Northwest. Grace Bush initiated the scoring with a layup at 9:05, setting the tone for Olivet's control of the paint. Nell capped the quarter with two consecutive three-pointers, the last coming at 0:21, extending Olivet's lead to 31 points. The quarter ended with Olivet leading 77-48.

In the fourth quarter, the Tigers maintained their significant lead. A quick three-pointer from Nell at 9:12 started the scoring in the last frame. Back-to-back layups by Kalli Papenfuss and a three-pointer by Michael pushed Olivet's lead to 38 points, it's largest lead of the game, before they eventually settled into a final score of 97-68, securing the first conference win of the season. 

Nell led the charge with 26 points, sinking six 3-pointers and converting all four of her free throw attempts. Michael contributed 16 points and added four steals. Ava Mikesell recorded six assists and added three steals while also scoring six points. Calee Biedron scored 10 points, converting all six of her free throw attempts, and provided three assists.

Olivet improved to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play with the victory. Indiana Northwest fell to 1-5 overall and 0-1 in conference competition.

The Tigers return to action on Saturday, Nov. 15 when they host Indiana East in McHie Arena. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m.

--ONU--