March 14, 2008
SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - No. 7 seed Minot State (N.D.) continued their amazing run with a double overtime victory over six seed William Jewell (Mo.), 94-93 in the second round of the17th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.
Minot (21-10) looked to be cruising, jumping out to a 24 point lead before William Jewell found their offensive rhythm. The Cardinals were able to cut the lead to 11 before halftime, 49-38. William Jewell consistently chipped away at the Minot lead before tying the game with 2:49 remaining. Both teams traded baskets and the half ended with a scramble for a loose ball.
Neither team found their offense in the first overtime frame with any field goals for either team after the 2:42 mark. The teams continued to struggle into the second overtime, then with the score tied at 86-86, junior Brittni Walker hit from deep to give Minot State the lead for good.
William Jewell (23-10) made the last :06 interesting when sophomore Hillary Adams was fouled on a desperation three-point attempt. Adams drained all three free-throws. Following the final free-throw, freshman Whitney Loftesnes was fouled before the Beavers could inbound the basketball. Loftesnes then missed on both free-throw attempts giving William Jewell life. Hillary Adams drove the length of the court but a Beaver defender was able to get a hand on the ball and Adams was never able to attempt a final shot.
The Beavers were led offensively by Walker who finished with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, while Kendra Meyer added 19 points and MacKenzie Mack chipped in with 16.
Adams led the way for the Cardinals with 20 points, while three other players went for double digits: Erica Ferguson (19), Faith Pontis (14), and Amber Parker (13).
Minot State advances to the quarter finals to take on the winner of the Morningside (Iowa) vs. St. Ambrose (Iowa) at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
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