Tweet #theGAC  SHAWNEE, Okla. — Heading into the Great American Conference tournament as the top-seed, Southern Nazarene defended their hierarchy as they took down the eighth-seed Southern Arkansas 84-73, making it SNU's third win over the Mulerider's this season.

Battling turnover troubles early in the game, the Storm (25-4) flipped a switch in the second half, cutting their turnovers in half while outscoring the Muleriders (12-16) by nine which gave them they momentum needed to seal the victory.

SNU got off to a hot start, leading 10-2 for minutes into quarter one. The Muleriders battled SNU's lead the remainder of the quarter, putting SNU in a three-minute cold spell to rally back within two points at 14-12. The teams exchanged bucks in the final minutes and SNU held a slim 18-15 advantage after the first 10 minutes.

The battle continued into the second quarter as the Muleriders continued to test SNU's lead. The Storm broke away late in the quarter, going on a 9-0 run just under three minutes left in the half which allowed them the four-point lead at halftime at 36-32.

SNU awakened in the third quarter, exploding on the offensive end to go on an 18-3 run that pushed them to their biggest lead of the contest at 60-44. The Muleriders buried a three in the final seconds, and SNU headed into the final quarter up 60-47.

The momentum carried over for the Storm into the fourth quarter as they led by 18 a minute in. The Muleriders continued to fight, hitting four of their five field goal attempts five minutes into the fourth to bring the game within 10 points at 69-59. SNU defended their advantage from then on, keeping SAU at distance with solid possessions and a promising defense. The Muleriders were able to outscore the Storm 26-24 in the final 10 minutes, but SNU's work early in the game carried them all the way through, claiming the final 84-73 quarterfinals victory.

Georgia Adams was on fire, scoring 21 points to go along with six boards.

Hannah Giddey record another double double to add to her lengthy list scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 boards.

Cassandra Awatt also put up double figure scoring with 14 points to go along with six boards.

Payton Jones was the other double digit scorer with 12 points, also grabbing four assists.

Southern Nazarene will await their next opponent, which will be the winner of Friday's match between No. 4 Arkansas Tech and No. 5 Oklahoma Baptist. The Storm have gone 2-0 against both teams during the regular season and will suit up against one of them for the semifinals matchup on Saturday at noon.