March 16, 2006

JACKSON, Tenn. - Fourth-seeded Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) defeated fifth-seeded Berry University 74-62 to become the second No. 4 seed to advance to the second round of the 26th annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship at Oman Arena.

Azusa jumped out to quick 10-2 lead in the first five and a half minutes of play, but Berry fought back to string a 23-8 run together over the next 10 minutes to take a 25-18 lead with four minutes to play. The Lady Vikings went into the locker room up 31-25.

In the second half, Berry grew their lead to 12 points (38-26) with 18:07 to go, but Azusa Pacific battled back to tie it 49-49 with 9:28 to go on a pair of free throws by Lindsey West. She followed with a field goal to give Azusa their first lead since the eight minute mark of the first half. The Cougars held on to win by their largest margin of the night, 15 points.

Sara Leathers scored 19 to lead Azusa Pacific, while Monica Somers followed with 17. Lindsey West added 15 points, followed by Jaclyn Rice's 10.

Berry was led by Deana Duncan's double-double 14 points and 19 rebounds. Her 19 boards are the sixth most by a player in an NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Tournament game and the most grabbed in one game so far this year. Briana Caldwell followed with 13 points, while Mallory Ranfos had 11.

Azusa Pacific improves to 24-9 on the season and advances to the second round on Friday at 9:45 a.m. to face top-seeded Oklahoma City University (31-2).