SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Spring Arbor University made its first appearance in the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship in 25 years on Friday evening and came away with a thrilling 81-78 victory over Langston University (Okla.) in its first round matchup, held on the campus of Dordt University (Iowa) in Sioux Center, Iowa.
The Cougars, the No. 9-seed, advance to the second round of the national tournament where they will meet No. 1-seeded Dordt on Saturday, Mar. 16 at 7 p.m. ET.
THE BASICS
SCORE: Spring Arbor 81, Langston 78
LOCATION: Sioux Center, Iowa | Dordt University
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 24-7, Langston 24-8
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
- In a back-and-forth contest that featured seven lead changes and eight ties, it was Spring Arbor that came away with the victory in its first NAIA national tournament game in 25 years.
- The Cougars went up 78-73 with 1:43 remaining in the game, but five unanswered points by Langston, including a 3-pointer with 18 seconds left, tied the score, 78-78.
- SAU turned to Alana Nelson in the closing seconds, who drove to the basket and scored to give the Cougars lead with eight seconds left.
- On the ensuing Langston possession, Alex Long drew a charge in the paint to clinch the game for SAU.
- Langston made 54 percent of its shots while Spring Arbor was held to 40 percent, but the difference came in the turnover battle where the Cougars forced the Lions into 20 turnovers and converted those giveaways into 27 points.
- Spring Arbor also took advantage on the offensive glass, outscoring Langston 18-9 in second chance points.
- Nelson finished with a game-high 28 points and eight rebounds. Long followed with 23 points and six boards and Alize Tripp added 19 points while sinking five 3-pointers.
UP NEXT
The Cougars, the Liston Quadrant's No. 9-seed, will take on No. 1-seed Dordt in the second round on Saturday, Mar. 16 starting at 7 p.m. ET.
The winner will advance to the national tournament final site at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
