Holy Cross WBB Takes Down Olivet Nazarene for the First Time in School History

by | Jan 9, 2025 | Basketball, Headlines, Holy Cross College, NAIA | 0 comments

The Saints made history in a thrilling matchup, defeating the Olivet Nazarene Tigers for the first time in 25 meetings with a 101-88 victory. This milestone win showcased the Saints’ growth and determination, as they executed a balanced offensive attack and delivered key defensive stops to end the long-standing drought against their rivals. The victory not only marks a turning point in the Saints’ rivalry with the Tigers but also highlights their potential as a formidable force this season.
First Quarter

The Saints set the tone early in the first quarter with sharp execution, shooting an impressive 66.7% from the field. Allie Caldwell (Zionsville, IN / Zionzville HS) made her presence felt inside, tallying six points and grabbing three rebounds, while La’Bria Austin (Buchanan, MI / Buchanan HS) came off the bench hot, dropping seven points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting, including a clutch three-pointer. Grace Adams (Elkhart, IN / Penn HS) owned the glass with six rebounds, anchoring the Saints’ defensive efforts. With seven assists fueling their offense, the Saints poured in 22 points and controlled the momentum heading into the second quarter.

Second Quarter

The Saints kept their foot on the gas in the second quarter, dropping 26 points on 52.6% shooting from the field. Brooke Lindesmith (Crown Point, IN / Crown Point HS) led the scoring surge with seven points, including a smooth triple, while Grace Adams showcased her versatility, adding six points and dominating the boards with five rebounds. Allie Caldwell stayed consistent, chipping in five points, including a three-pointer, while La’Bria Austin brought hustle off the bench, contributing four points and three rebounds. The Saints continued to share the rock with five assists and maintained their composure at the charity stripe, going a perfect 4-for-4. Their balanced attack helped maintain momentum heading into halftime.

Third Quarter

The Saints came out sharp in the third quarter, showcasing efficient offense and lockdown defense to add 25 points while shooting a blistering 72.7% from the field. Allie Caldwell led the charge with seven points, including a three-pointer and perfect trips to the free-throw line. Jordyn Smith (Granger, IN / Penn HS) chipped in five points with aggressive play, while Brooke Lindesmith showed poise at the stripe, sinking four free throws and adding three steals to spark the defense. Grace Adams contributed across the board with two points, two rebounds, and an assist, while Carly Spradling (Canal Fulton, OH / Northwest HS) made the most of her time in with a quick bucket. The Saints’ energy and execution kept them firmly in control heading into the final frame.

Forth Quarter

The Saints closed out the game with a dominant fourth quarter, pouring in 28 points on 60.0% shooting from the floor and a stellar 90.0% from the free-throw line. La’Bria Austin was unstoppable off the bench, racking up 11 points, including a three-pointer and a perfect 4-for-4 at the stripe. Kayliana Hammel (New Haven, IN / Bishop Dwenger HS) added five points, showing grit with three clutch free throws. Allie Caldwell contributed four points and one rebound, while Grace Adams stayed steady with four points and two boards. The Saints’ ball movement remained strong, with four assists, and their defense created opportunities, forcing turnovers to seal the victory in style.

GAME DETAILS 

Score: Holy Cross defeated Olivet Nazarene University 101-88

Records: Holy Cross (9-6) | Olivet Nazarene (8-7) 

Location: McKenna Arena | Holy Cross College | Notre Dame, Ind. 

 

SCORING SUMMARY

Allie Caldwell – 22 points, 8-14 FGM

La’Bria Austin – 22 points, 8/10 FGM   

Kayliana Hammel – 12 points, 4-5 FGM

  

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

The Saints had 62 points from the paint 

Holy Cross won the rebound battle 40-29 

  

NEXT TIME OUT

The Saints will continue games when they take on Judson University  on Saturday, Janurary 11, tipoff set for 2:00pm. 

Related Stories

Dave Troyer Memorial Scholarship Announced

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – This Saturday, January 17, a special presentation is planned to take place during halftime of the men's basketball game where the No. 3 Bethel Pilots take on No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan University in Gates Gymnasium on Bethel's campus. The game will...

Phelps Paces Titans in Win

Phelps Paces Titans in Win ELGIN, Ill. – An offensive showcase was displayed on Thursday night, as IU South Bend took down Judson 79-61 on the road to improve to 12-5 overall and 7-2 in CCAC play. The Titans never trailed, using a fast start and steady execution on...

Holy Cross WBB grinds our 43-39 at home over Saint Xavier

The Holy Cross women's basketball team earned a 43–39 home victory over Saint Xavier on Wednesday night at McKenna Arena, using a strong second-half push and key bench contributions to secure the conference matchup win. After a slow start offensively, Holy Cross...

Holy Cross MBB rolls past Saint Xavier, 83-69

It was a night to remember at McKenna Arena as the Holy Cross men's basketball team delivered an impressive 83–69 victory over Saint Xavier, highlighted by Joey Garwood reaching the 1,000-point milestone in his collegiate career. The game opened as a back-and-forth...

No.1 Grace races past No.3 Pilots

WINONA LAKE, Ind.---On Wednesday evening, the No. 3 Bethel Pilots (16-2, 6-2) fell 99-81 to the No. 1 Grace College Lancers (18-0, 8-0) in the Manahan OCC.  Jameir Jefferson, last week's Crossroads League Defender of the Week, totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds...

Bethel Women’s basketball holds off Grace

WINONA LAKE, Ind. ---The Bethel Pilots (13-5, 4-4) picked up their third consecutive win over the Grace College Lancers (9-9, 1-7) with a 97-95 victory in the Manahan OCC on Wednesday evening. Jazmyn Smith showcased a double-double with 26 points, her highest scoring...

IUSB Men’s Basketball Home Win Moves Streak to 11

Home Win Moves Streak to 11 SOUTH BEND — IU South Bend continued its dominant stretch on a wintery Wednesday night, rolling past Judson 82-55 inside the Student Activities Center to extend its winning streak to 11 games. From the opening minutes, the Titans set the...

Hoosiers WBB Fall To Washington

Hoosiers Fall To Washington BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s basketball couldn’t overcome a hot shooting night by Washington as it fell 82-63 on Wednesday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. KEY MOMENTS • Freshman forward Maya Makalusky and senior guard Shay...