March 16, 2007

JACKSON, Tenn. - Third-seeded Cumberland University (Tenn.) earned entry into its first-ever quarterfinal appearance with an 86-83 victory over second-seeded Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) in the second round of the 27th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at Oman Arena.

Cumberland overcame an early 14-5 deficit with runs of 11 points, and later in the half, another 8 straight points, to take a 37-34 advantage into halftime. Cumberland widened its lead to as many as 13 points at 56-43 after a three-pointer from Renae Williams with 12:21 remaining in the game. A minute later, with Cumberland leading 60-47, Lewis-Clark State scored 12 straight points to pull within 60-59 with just over eight minutes remaining.

Cumberland held the lead until Katya Yancheva sank two free throws with 36 seconds to play, giving Lewis-Clark State its final lead at 83-82. C'Kala Humes answered with two free throws to return the lead to Cumberland with 18 seconds left, and after a Lewis-Clark State turnover, Ashley Cross capitalized on two more free throws with 10 seconds remaining to provide the final margin.

Five players scored in double figures for Cumberland, led by Humes' 17 points, 11 of which came from free throws. Williams finished with 16 points, Robinson added 15 points and Cross tallied 13 points and a game-high eight assists.

Ashley Baker and Janeen Nelson each scored 24 points to pace Lewis-Clark State, and Baker tallied a game-high nine rebounds.

With the win, Cumberland improves to 25-7 overall and continues its run in the third national tournament appearance in program history, where it will meet the Langston/Brescia winner in a quarterfinal matchup Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. Lewis-Clark State finishes the season at 31-3 overall.