March 15, 2007

JACKSON, Tenn. - Eighth-seeded Brescia University (Ky.) became the first team to knock off a No. 1 seed, defeating Lee University (Tenn.) 81-73 in overtime in a first-round game at the 27th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at Oman Arena.

Brescia trailed only three times, never by more than two points, and led by as many five points in the final minute of regulation, only to see Lee's Jessica Still sink a three-pointer and a pair of free throws to even the game at 69-69 and send the game to overtime.

After knocking down just one three-pointer in its first 17 attempts, Brescia's Sarah McDaniel and Kellie Childress nailed back-to-back three-pointers in the first minute of overtime, giving Brescia a 75-69 lead. Danielle Jenkins' free throw with 3:13 to play in the extra frame pushed the lead to seven points at 76-69. Lee answered with another Still three-pointer, but Childress responded with a pair of free throws that gave Brescia a 78-72 lead with 2:41 to play. Neither team was able to convert from the field over the final two and a half minutes, as Brescia made three free throws in the final 45 seconds to hang on for the win.

Jenkins and Paula Carver combined for 32 points and 21 rebounds, with each collecting 16 points to go with double-digit rebounds. Childress had two of Brescia's three treys and finished with 10 points, while Andrea Self added 15 points on six-of-eight shooting from the field. Brescia surrendered just eight turnovers in the game that resulted in just five points for Lee.

Still was the game's leading scorer and rebounder, tallying 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead the way for Lee. Aaron Richmond added 12 points and five assists, and Jan Dodson tallied 11 points.

With the win, Brescia improves to 20-13 overall and advances to a second-round matchup with Langston tomorrow at 2:15 p.m. Lee drops to 29-4 to finish the season.