Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content
Official website of the Indiana University South Bend Titans

Indiana University South Bend

Booker
Kyle Carr
80
Indiana South Bend (IN) IUSB 23-8
81
Winner Olivet Nazarene (IL) ONU 25-6
Indiana South Bend (IN) IUSB
23-8
80
Final
81
Olivet Nazarene (IL) ONU
25-6
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Indiana South Bend (IN) IUSB 19 20 17 24 80
Olivet Nazarene (IL) ONU 21 21 22 17 81

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

Brought the Heart

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. --- With heart, determination, and a relentless fight worthy of a championship stage, No. 3 seed IU South Bend pushed top-seeded Olivet Nazarene to the brink in Wednesday's 81-80 CCAC Championship Game. The Titans never backed down, never allowed ONU to pull away, and nearly stole the title in the final seconds.

The Titans' task of taking down the No. 1 seed in their home gym was a tall one but not to be feared by this women's basketball squad. The Tigers opened the scoring with a three-pointer but IUSB answered right back. Back-to-back threes between Tenleigh Phelps and Ava Grant moved the Titans ahead halfway through the first quarter.

The first half was a long road of back-and-forth with neither team gaining firm control. Early in the second, ONU moved ahead by eight at 30-22 but IUSB bounced back with a 9-0 run that saw the Tigers scoreless for over five minutes of action.

The two teams entered the half separated by three points, as ONU held a slight edge.

ONU's depth and pace — highlighted by constant substitutions and five-out shooting — created challenges but the Titans countered with elite efficiency. IUSB shot 50.8 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from three, keeping themselves within arm's reach heading into the fourth quarter.

Down 76-67 midway through the fourth, IU South Bend mounted its final push. Phelps sparked the rally with a successful and-one finish, which was followed by an Aubrie Booker long ball.

As the clock ticked past two minutes to go, IUSB were behind by six and needing some big buckets down the stretch. Phelps aided the next bucket, grabbing a defensive board before sending it down the court to Grant for an open layup. 

With 40 seconds remaining, it was Phelps' jump shot that would do the trick. The senior felt just enough breathing room between her and her defender and buried the three-ball, cutting the deficit to 81-80 and silencing McHie Arena. It was the biggest shot of the contest and capped a fierce 13-5 closing run by the Titans.

IUSB then forced a massive defensive stop, securing a rebound with the shot clock off. The championship was suddenly within reach.

On the ensuing possession, the Titans got Phelps to her spot at the top of the arc but the shot rimmed out. Kenzie Fulks fought for the offensive rebound and found a mid range look before the buzzer but once again luck would not have the ball fall through the net, ending the comeback bid.

Despite the outcome, the Titans proved their strength on the big stage on Saturday. 

Senior Tenleigh Phelps, in her final CCAC game, delivered yet another signature performance:

21 points, 10 rebounds, 70 percent shooting, and four made threes.
It marked her seventh double-double of the season and 12th 20-point game, punctuating a remarkable career in a Titans uniform.

Sophomore Aubrie Booker produced the best game of her collegiate career — a spectacular 32-point showcase, including 10 points in the fourth quarter, and five made threes. She finished 12-for-20 from the floor while playing 39 of 40 minutes.

Bradie Chambers did it all for IUSB, logging 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Fulks picked up four points and five rebounds while navigating ONU's full-court pressure, and Hudson dished out four assists.

Though the loss stings, the Titans showcased championship heart from tip to buzzer, proving they belong among the league's elite. IU South Bend now awaits the NAIA Selection Show to learn whether their résumé earns them a national tournament berth.
Print Friendly Version