JACKSON, Tenn. – The Lady Bulldogs of 91±¬ÁÏÍø (Tenn.) exploded offensively in the first half, building a 12 point lead at halftime, and edged past the #7 seed Bearcats of McKendree College (Ill.) in a 72-64 victory at the 24th Annual NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament held in Jackson, Tennessee.
The Lady Bulldogs shot 42.9% from the field in the first half compared to McKendree’s dismal 28.6% shooting. 91±¬ÁÏÍø put four players in double digit scoring, led by Stephanie Clark’s double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds. LaTorya Fuller followed her with 14 points, while Jennifer Henson and Molly York both added 11 points in the win.
McKendree battled to close the gap to six points on several occasions in the second half, but were unable to continue the surge. The Bearcats were led in scoring by Katie Hasheider with 17 points, followed by Alli Arppe with 13 points and Sheila Hering with 11 points. The Bearcats end the season with a 25-9 record in their fourth tournament appearance.
91±¬ÁÏÍø (31-4) advances into the second round and will play Auburn University Montgomery on Friday, March 19th. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.