SIOUX CITY, Iowa – (Box Score) For the first time at this year’s championship extra time was needed, as No. 3 College of Saint Mary (Neb.) claimed a 72-63 overtime victory over No. 6 Friends (Kan.) Thursday night in the final first round game of the 2014 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship, presented by State Farm.
With the win, the Flames advance to the second round of the NAIA Division II National Championship for the first time since 2006 – the program’s first-ever appearance at the event. College of Saint Mary will face off against the No. 2 seed Morningside (Iowa) at 8:45 p.m. CDT on Friday. The Mustangs enter the contest coming off an 83-52 blowout win over No. 7 Point Park (Pa.).
Both teams battled to 59-59 total after 40 minutes of action with neither team gaining an advantage greater than eight points during regulation. In the overtime, College of Saint Mary took complete control, outscoring Friends 13-4 during the period. Senior guard Amanda Woodring put the game to rest with 2:43 left in the overtime with a 3-pointer from the wing off an Friends turnover. The Falcons never pulled closer than six points the rest of the way.
Five Flames saw at least 34 minutes of action in the contest, including three individuals with more than 40 minutes on the court. Sophomore center Deaundra Young earned her 13th double-double of the year with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Woodring led all scorers with 15 points – all coming on 3-point baskets.
Friends was hampered by turnovers throughout the game, surrendering possession 18 times. The Falcons ended the game shooting 45.5 percent (25-for-55) from the field, while College of Saint Mary converted 34.4 percent (22-for-64) of its attempts.
Despite Young patrolling the paint for College of Saint Mary, Friends held a dominant 20-9 advantage in second chance points. The Falcon reserves also held a 29-12 lead in bench points.
The Falcons, who were making a third-straight appearance at the national championship, were led in scoring by Kayla Mollere with 14 points. Sarah Munds (12 points) and Shann Sellers (11 points) also finished in double figures for Friends.
With the loss, Friends falls to 1-5 all-time in the first round of the national championship and ends the season with a 25-8 record.
