IUSB Women’s Basketball Set for CCAC Title game at Olivet Nazarene
The Opportunity is Here
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Championship Saturday awaits.
After winning their semifinal matchup Thursday night, the Indiana University South Bend women’s basketball team has earned its place in the CCAC Tournament Championship and will face No. 1 seed Olivet Nazarene on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. EST (1:00 p.m. CT) at McHie Arena.
CHAMPIONSHIP DETAILS
Date: Saturday, February 28, 1:00 p.m. CST (2:00 p.m. EST)
Location: McHie Arena — Bourbonnais, IL
Game: IU South Bend (No. 3) vs. Olivet Nazarene (No. 1)
Live Stream: https://onutigers.com/watch
Live Audio: https://rrsn.com/watch
Live Stats: https://iusbtitans.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary
The Titans are seeking their seventh CCAC Tournament Championship in program history, and third under head coach Steve Bruce. IU South Bend will head to its third conference title game in the last four years after capturing back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
Now in his 20th season, Bruce owns 370 career wins at IU South Bend and has his team one victory away from another banner — and an automatic berth into the NAIA National Tournament.
SEMIFINAL RECAP
IUSB 74, St. Ambrose 65
The Titans advanced to the title game with a composed 74-65 win Thursday at the Student Activities Center.
IU South Bend jumped out early, leading 19-10 after the first quarter and never relinquished control. The Titans dominated the paint, outscoring St. Ambrose 42-26 inside, and finished strong at the free throw line (85.7%).
Tenleigh Phelps delivered a dominant performance with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Aubrie Booker and Bradie Chambers combined for 32 points, as the IUSB starters netted all 74 points.
Olivet Nazarene 82, Governors State 68
The Tigers advanced behind a balanced scoring attack and late-game execution to secure their championship berth. ONU relied on strong perimeter shooting and bench production to separate in the second half and protect the home floor.
The Tigers enter Saturday riding a seven-game winning streak and playing for their first tournament title since 2022.
SEASON SERIES: TITANS VS. TIGERS
December 6 — ONU 91, IUSB 84 (McHie Arena)
Olivet Nazarene won a fast-paced contest in Bourbonnais in the series opener. IU South Bend shot 47.1 percent and put up 84 points and was led by Aubrie Booker with 28 points and Tenleigh Phelps with an 18 point and 14 rebound double-double.
The Tigers capitalized on turnovers and their full-court pressure, scoring 23 points off giveaways.
February 11 — ONU 86, IUSB 85 (Student Activities Center)
The Titans led 46-31 at halftime before ONU surged with a 28-point third quarter. Tenleigh Phelps erupted for 30 points, while Aubrie Booker added 17 and Bradie Chambers scored 14.
It was a thriller in South Bend, as the game between two of the top teams in the league came down to the bitter end. ONU found the big bucket late to make the difference in the one-point bout.
Across both meetings, the combined scoring margin is just eight total points — evidence that Saturday’s championship matchup is as evenly matched as it gets.
MATCHUP STORYLINES
Phelps vs. ONU Frontcourt
Phelps is coming off a 25-point, 14-rebound semifinal performance and has scored 18 and 30 in the two meetings against the Tigers.
Controlling the Pace
Olivet Nazarene’s high-octane pace works to create quick offense and opposition turnovers. It will be key for the Titans to work through the defensive pressure and maintain a steady pace that favors IU South Bend’s identity.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The 2025-26 CCAC Tournament Championship is on the line on Saturday night. While the Tigers have already locked in their spot in the National Tournament as the CCAC regular season champs, the Titans will be looking to secure a spot on the big stage with a win.
One win. One championship.
The Titans are chasing history — and another banner.