The Charger women's basketball team advance to the NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament semifinal round for the first time since the 2014-15 season, defeating the Jaguars of Governors State 65-43 inside the Tyson Events Center in the Newman Flanagan Center. The win marks the third time in program history the Chargers have achieved 30 victories in a single season.
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The first quarter was closely contested, with both teams trading baskets which led to the Chargers holding a slim 16-13 lead heading into the second quarter.
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Early in the second, the Chargers went on a seven-point run with McNair chipping in five points during the stretch. A layup from McNair along with a three from
Taylor Sodeman at the 4:45 mark gave BCU a 31-17 lead and forcing a Jaguars timeout. BCU led 35-26 heading into the break.
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Coming out of intermission, the Chargers went on a 10-2 run with
Adrianna Webster scoring eight of the 10 points. A basket from
Rachel Langel with 4:09 remaining in the third gave Briar Cliff a 19-point lead.
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The Charger defense held the Jaguars to just 18 points in the second half. The Jaguars went a combined three-for-27 from the floor in the half. BCU held GSU to 25% shooting from the floor and three-for-23 from three-point land. Briar Cliff dominated the glass in the contest, holding a 57-35 margin.
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Webster paved the way with 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists, a block, and a steal. McNair finished with 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds followed by Langel's near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Kennedy Benne led the team in rebounds with 12 and chipped in five points and dished out five assists.
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The Charger women's basketball team improve to 30-5 overall and will take on Indiana Wesleyan Monday night at the Tyson Event Center in the semifinal round. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m.
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