March 15, 2006

JACKSON, Tenn. - Sixth-seeded Oklahoma Baptist University defeated third-seeded Lee University (Tenn.) 67-53 to advance to the second round of the 26th annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship at Oman Arena.

After 12 lead changes in the first half, Oklahoma Baptist carried a five point margin into halftime, 33-28. They broke out of the intermission with a run to grow their lead to its largest of the night at 14 points in the first seven minutes of play in the period, and held on to win by as many. Rachel Heins led OBU with 19 points, followed by Tabetha Eaton and Dilenny Castillo who each scored 12. Jennifer Jupin added 10 points, while Castillo led the team with 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Lee was led by Lindsey Sparks' 11 points, followed by 10 points each for Jessica Still and Jan Dodson. Becky Sumner's 18 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the floor. Cann finished with 12 points and four assists, while Jennifer Nagy had 10. Lissi Fuller led the Lady Patriots with 10 rebounds.

Cumberland (Tenn.) was led by Renae Williams' 15 points, followed by a double-double 14 points and 12 rebounds for C'Kala Humes. Mariel Ruis added 10 points.

Oklahoma Baptist improves to 24-9 on the season and advances to the second round on Friday at 9 a.m. to face second-seeded University of Montana-Western (29-5).