March 14, 2007

JACKSON, Tenn. - Fifth-seeded Oklahoma Christian University advanced to the second round with a 77-64 victory over fourth-seeded University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) at the 27th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at Oman Arena.

With the score tied at 4-4, Oklahoma Christian went on a 17-1 run over a four-minute stretch to take a 21-5 lead with 12:08 remaining in the first half. The Lady Eagles maintained the double-digit lead throughout the half, taking a 43-30 lead into halftime.

Cumberlands responded early in the second half, using a 10-1 run to cut the lead to 47-42 with 13:11 to play. Back-to-back three-pointers from Lissi Fuller and Amber Neace brought Cumberlands to within 52-48 with 11:20 left, but Oklahoma Christian answered with back-to-back buckets and led by at least six points the rest of the way.

Rachel Martin scored 14 of her game-high 24 points in the second half for Oklahoma Christian, and Katie Farriss added a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double. Lindsey Gipson and Kailan DeCamp each added 10 points for the Lady Eagles.

Cumberlands was led by Kirsten Roberson's team-high double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Fuller tallied 12 points, including a trio of three-pointers for the Patriots.

With the win, Oklahoma Christian improves to 23-7 on the season and advances to a second round matchup on Friday at 6:15 p.m. with the winner of tonight's contest between Union and The Master's. Cumberland wraps up its season with a 25-6 record.