Henderson State, led by Jadah Pickens' career-high 35 points, shocked No. 1 seed Southern Nazarene in the Great American Conference Tournament semifinal, defeating them 81-77 and securing a spot in the conference championship game for the first time in program history.

The Big Picture

The unexpected victory by Henderson State serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where underdog teams can rise to the occasion and defeat top-seeded opponents.

By the Numbers
  • Henderson State's Jadah Pickens scored a career-high 35 points in the game.
  • The Reddies shot 48% from the field, made 9 of 21 three-pointers, and their bench outscored Southern Nazarene's bench 16-7.
  • Southern Nazarene's inside play contributed 50 points, while Henderson State capitalized on 17 second chance points.
State of Play
  • Henderson State advances to the GAC championship game for the first time in program history.
  • The team will face either No. 2 seed Harding or No. 6 seed Southwestern Oklahoma State for the conference title.
  • This victory marks a significant moment for Henderson State's women's basketball program, setting a milestone in their history.
What's Next

Henderson State will play in the GAC championship game against either Harding or Southwestern Oklahoma State, looking to secure a historic conference title after their stunning upset victory.

Bottom Line

Henderson State's remarkable win over Southern Nazarene, propelled by Jadah Pickens' outstanding performance, not only secures their place in the conference championship but also exemplifies the essence of sports where determination and skill can lead to unexpected triumphs.