March 20, 2008

JACKSON, Tenn. - Wiley (Texas) College became the second 6-seed in the 28^th Annual NAIA DI Women's Basketball National Tournament to advance to the second round as they knocked off No. 3 seed Azusa Pacific (Calif.) 69-63.  The win also marked the first national tournament win for Wiley in their first tournament appearance.

 

In this the final game of the first round, Wiley joins a list of five schools to earn their first tournament win in school history.  The list includes Harris-Stowe (Mo.) State, Lee (Tenn.), Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Loyola (La.), and Wiley.

 

Azusa Pacific jumped out to an early lead of seven points, 18-11, at the 8:28 mark of the first half.  However, a late run of 16-8 by Wiley helped the Wildcats take a lead of 27-26 with just over a minute to play in the half.  The Wildcats went into the half with a 32-29 lead.

 

In the second half, Wiley extended their lead to five points on several occasions.  Azusa Pacific was able to keep the Wildcats within reach and managed to tie the game twice in the second half, with the latest coming 40-40 with 12:42 left.  Wiley regained the lead for good as they pushed the margin out to as many as nine points, 69-60 win nine seconds left.  A late three pointer from Azusa Pacific's Sarah Leathers put the final score at 69-63.

 

Wiley was led by Linda Emeghebo with 16 points.  Ciara Sanders added 14 points, while Jaziman King and Nicole Posley each scored 11 points.  Wiley forced 26 Cougar turnovers in the game, compared to on 16 miscues.  The Wildcats rolled the large turnover differential into a 21-11 advantage in points-off-turnovers.

 

Azusa Pacific ends their season with a 24-8 record.  The Cougars were led by Kristie Hala'Ufia with 16 points and Nikita Gordon with 13 points.

 

Wiley, now 29-6 on the season, advances to the second round and will play Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) on Friday, March 21 at 6:15 pm. 

 

 

NAIA

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.