DAVENPORT, Iowa — Olivet Nazarene University (IL) (20-6, 16-2) edged St. Ambrose University (IA) (12-14, 9-9), 95-93, in a tight contest. With the win, the Tigers locked in the #1 seed in the CCAC Conference Tournament.

Olivet started the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by Jayden Flagg's early steal. Despite their efforts, the Queen Bees managed to build an 11-point lead at 5:33. The Tigers closed the gap with a series of plays, including a timely 3-pointer by Lindsey Nell at 4:41, which contributed to a late-quarter scoring surge. The first quarter ended with the Tigers trailing the Queen Bees 22–18.

Tigerball seized control in the second quarter, overcoming an early deficit with a series of key plays. Nell's layup at 7:29 initiated a 9–0 run, which was bolstered by a fast-break layup and three-pointer to tie the game at 28. Flagg's three-pointer at 4:39 propelled them to a lead they maintained despite the Queen Bees' efforts to close the gap. The Tigers' defensive pressure resulted in eight steals, limiting the Queen Bees to only four field goals in the quarter. The first half concluded with the Tigers leading 42–37.

The Tigers took control early in the third quarter, expanding their lead to nine points at the 8:50 mark, highlighted by Nell's three-pointer assisted by Ava Mikesell. Despite the Queen Bees narrowing the gap and briefly taking the lead, the Tigers regained momentum with a crucial three-pointer by Olivia Dirkse to tie the game at 62 with just under two minutes remaining. The Tigers closed the quarter on a strong note, with Preslee Michael's three-pointer at 27 seconds sealing a 68-64 lead.

The Tigers gained an early advantage in the fourth quarter with a three-pointer from Michael assisted by Caroline Sikkink at 9:25, extending their lead to 71–64. The team maintained momentum with contributions from Kalli Papenfuss and Nell, who converted a fast-break layup followed by a free throw, establishing a 76–68 lead. Despite the Queen Bees rallying to take an 83–80 lead at 3:27, the Tigers responded with a crucial three-pointer by Flagg at 3:02 to tie the game.

The final minutes were tightly contested, with the Tigers reclaiming the lead at 1:10 through two free throws by Nell. A pivotal three-pointer by Nell with 3 seconds left secured the victory, concluding the game at 95–93.

Nell led the team with a career 31 points, converting 9 of 14 field goals and 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, while also collecting six steals. Flagg contributed 13 points, successfully making 5 of 7 shots, including 3 of 5 from three-point range, and added two assists. Dirkse posted 10 points and secured nine rebounds, with five coming on the offensive end. Brookelynn Buzzard was big off the bench scoring 12 points, hitting three 3-pointers and tallying two steals.

The Tigers hold a record of 20-6 overall and 16-2 in conference play. The Queen Bees stand at 12-14 on the season with a 9-9 mark in conference competition.