March 18, 2006

JACKSON, Tenn. - Second-seeded The Master's College defeated top-seeded Freed-Hardeman University in overtime 57-56 to advance to the semifinals of the 26th annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship at Oman Arena.

The Master's forced overtime with a last second shot, then went on to win it at the free throw line in the final minute of play moments before Freed-Hardeman's Julie Hayes missed a desperation field goal as time expired.

The Lady Mustangs and Lady Lions were even at the end of both halves, with The Master's holding the lead through most of the first half, but Freed-Hardeman controlling the second half.

FHU jumped out to a 7-2 lead to start the game, but the Lady Mustangs quickly strung 13 unanswered points together to take 15-7 lead with 12 minutes to go in the half, an eight point margin that would be the largest for either team on the night. Freed-Hardeman fired back to pull within a point, 17-16, with 7:44 to go, but The Master's drew their lead back out to five before FHU tied it with a basket by Ashlee Robertson with 1:23 to go for a 24-24 tie at the break.

In the second half The Master's never led once, as Freed grew to their largest lead of the night at seven points twice in the half, holding a 44-37 lead with eight minutes to go in the second half. Kinsley Mittel scored with 1:30 to play to cut it to three, 47-44, followed by a Master's timeout. Out of the timeout, FHU turned the ball over, giving it back to the Master's with 30 seconds to play, but the Lady Mustangs turned it back over the Lions, bringing FHU to call time.

Stacy Myers was fouled for Freed-Hardeman out of the timeout to send her to the line for two shots in the double bonus. She missed both. Jenn Ayers-Stamper grabbed the rebound and pushed it down the court to Jessica Seyler who hit an off balanced 3-point basket at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, both teams remained even, swapping leads four times and tying three times. Myers put Freed up by one, 56-55, with 1:21 left, but a foul was called on the alternate possession on FHU, and putting Courtney Jackson at the free throw line to give The Master's the lead as they held on for the win.

Trevecca Nazarene was led by Weaver's double-double 13 points and 10 rebounds, along with a tournament best seven blocks. Jana Reed followed with 12 points.

Freed-Hardeman was led by Kera Bergeron's 21 points and eight rebounds, including seven 3-point baskets. Hayes added five assists for the Lady Lions.

The Master's improves to 27-7 and advances to their first-ever semifinal appearance Monday at 8 p.m. to face second-seeded Union University (Tenn.).