The SAU Women’s basketball team pulled off an impressive win over number 20 Olivet Nazarene on Tuesday night.
The Bees got off to a hot start in Lee-Lohman Arena, getting ahead early in the first half and staying ahead for almost the entire game. St. Ambrose limited the Tigers shooting to under 32%, and efficient clearing helped the Bees hold on to their lead to start the second half.
An impressive defensive effort ushered the Bees to a 47-28 lead at halftime after an impressive 23-9 offensive performance in the second quarter. The Bees extended their lead to 22 before ONU hit their stride and began to close the gap.
ONU’s sudden rhythm carried them back into the game, and the Tigers saw a 30 point run to
take a one-point lead, their only time ahead of the Bees for the entire game.
Maintaining composure, strong offensive plays by Shayne Smith and Madeline Prestegaard, and two free throws from Maddy Cash pushed the bees ahead of the Tigers 77-72 with just over
a minute left in the third quarter.
The Bees proved to be too much, as the Tigers’ rally wasn’t enough to rattle the SAU.
Jaynee Prestegaard led the pack with 27 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 10 for 16 from the
field. Her sister Madeline Prestegaard shot “8 for 8” from the free-throw line and recorded another 6
points on the night. Smith tallied 16 points, and Cash and Kylie Wroblewski had 10 points each.
SAU will next travel to Mount Mercy on Saturday for their first away game of the season.
