March 11, 2006

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - College of the Ozarks (Mo.) advanced to the semifinals defeating Benedictine (Kan.) 73-64 in overtime Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the 15^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship. The 2006 event is being held at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Ozarks seemed to have things in hand building as much as a 10-point cushion in the opening half before settling in for a 37-29 lead at halftime. But Benedictine, who used a buzzer beater one night early to defeat Doane had other plans.

The Ravens of Benedictine methodically cut away at the Bobcats lead in the second half. They were able to pull within three on two separate occasions before knotting things up at 57 with 1:58 left on the clock thanks to a free throw by Abby Winder. Winder converted the second free throw as Benedictine grabbed their first lead since early in the first half.

Angela Campbell made 1 of 2 from the charity stripe to push the lead to a bucket. On the next possession Cara Painter's pass sailed over the head of the intended target to give the ball back to Benedictine. The Ravens then turned the ball over on a shot clock violation. But Ozarks turned the ball over again with seven seconds remaining. Campbell was immediately fouled and again went 1 of 2 form the stripe, missing the first, making the second.

After a time out Ozarks freshman Rebekah Howard found herself on the the right baseline where she drained a three as time expired to force the extra period. It was the first three-point field goal she had attempted in her career. Howard led the Bobcats with 23 points off the bench. Cara Painter added to her nation leading total of double-doubles with 11 points and 10 rebounds for Ozarks.

In the overtime Ozarks outscored Benedictine 13-4. The only points the Ravens would get came from Angeline Finazzo who one night earlier hit the game winner. Her points came via a four-point play. Ozarks converted from the charity stripe to preserve the win.

Benedictine had three players in double figures including Finazzo who had 11. Nicole Reilly led the Ravens with 20 and Michelle Walsh chipped in with 10. Benedictine finishes the season with a record of 30-5.

The Bobcats (32-1) advanced to the semifinals for the first time in school history where they will meet University of Saint Francis (Ind.) in the 8:00 p.m. game.

For more information on the Division II Women's Basketball National Championship log on to www.naia.org.

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