SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (March 22, 2016) – Haley Fowler scored 20 of her season high 23 points in the second half and No.1 Lubbock Christian University used a 22-5 scoring advantage at the line to defeat Florida Southern 73-69 in the Elite Eight tournament of the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship at Sanford Pentagon. The win advances the Lady Chaparrals into the Final Four and the Elite Eight tournament semifinals, where they will face Bentley University at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

LCU had a 65-55 lead with 5:41 remaining in the game, but their optimism towards advancing to the next round was interrupted by an 11-2 Moccasins run over a span of 3:34 and LCU’s lead was cut to 67-66 with 2:18 to go. Mariah Harris posted six of her 12 fourth quarter points during the run. It was capped by a three-pointer from Shaquita Snow, who would hit another three-pointer with 1:02 remaining to end a brief 4-0 LCU run to move the Mocs within two points (71-69). LCU was unable to score on the ensuing possession and Fowler had a bucket negated on an offensive fowl and FSC regained possession with under 45 seconds to go. Snow drove for a layup with under 30 seconds remaining and it did not fall and LCU clinched the win with free throws by Fowler with 10 seconds remaining.

The Mocs nearly completed a massive comeback in a game LCU led for over 38 minutes. LCU had to fight through several FSC comeback bids throughout the game. LCU used an 11-2 run carrying over from the opening quarter to the second quarter to build a 25-15 lead. LCU maintained the cushion for most of the quarter until FSC closed the half on a 4-0 run (LCU led 35-29 at the half) and it rolled into a 14-3 run to give the Mocs a 39-38 lead with 6:44 remaining in the third quarter for their first lead of the game. The Mocs never led by more than 40 seconds in the game, as LCU answered back with a 14-2 run highlighted by a Haley Fowler three-pointer, which was LCU’s only three-pointer of the game (1-of-8 from three-point range). LCU carried a 57-47 lead into the fourth quarter. They held the lead until FSC’s late rally.

FSC out-shot LCU from the field 49.2% (30/61) to 48.1% (25/52) and it marked the first time this season an LCU opponent has out-shot them from the field. FSC was 60.7% (28/17) from the field in the second half. LCU was 54.5% (24/44) inside the arc and it led to a 46-32 scoring advantage. Each team had four players in double figures in points. FSC had 19 points from Harris (12 in fourth quarter), 12 points each from Jensen Blassage and Gianna Vastola and 11 points from Snow. LCU received a game high 23 points from Fowler, and also received 16 points each from Nicole Hampton and Tess Bruffey and 11 points from Kelsey Hoppel Bruffey also added four blocks and six rebounds. Hampton nearly converted a double-double, leading LCU with nine rebounds.

The Mocs were whistled for 26 fouls in the game, leading to 29 free-throw attempts for LCU. The Lady Chaps were 75.9% from the line, draining 25 of the attempts. FSC was 5-of-7 as a team from the line.

LCU improves to 33-0 overall on the season and they make their first NCAA Final Four appearance. The Lady Chaps made two semifinal (Fab Four) appearances in their time competing in NAIA. LCU’s game Wednesday will air nationally on CBS Sports Network.

Courtesy: LCU Sports Information Department