March 18, 2006

JACKSON, Tenn. - Top-seeded Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) defeated fifth-seeded University of Mobile (Ala.) 71-56 in the second round of the 26th annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship at Oman Arena.

Freed-Hardeman led from the tip to the buzzer to make their third consecutive quarterfinal. The Lady Lions led by as many as 15 in the first half (31-16) for their largest lead of the game. Despite Crystal Coston's 20 points in the second half, Mobile was unable to counter the Lady Lions 54.5 percent shooting performance in the second half.

Stacy Myers led FHU with 21 points, while Ashlee Robertson added 14 points. Kera Bergeron scored 10 points and collected 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Mobile was led by Crystal Coston's 25 points for half of their offense, while Rheonda Leary grabbed 10 rebounds.

Freed-Hardeman improves to 32-2 on the season and advances to the quarterfinals Saturday at 6 p.m. to face second-seeded The Master's College (Calif) (27-7).

The two teams met previously this season in Jackson at the Rotary Classic in November. The Master's handed FHU their first loss of the season 71-68.