March 21, 2008

JACKSON, Tenn. - Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) posted their second straight upset win in the 28^th Annual NAIA DI Women's Basketball Tournament with a 78-66 win over No. 2 seeded Langston (Okla.) University.  The Trojans, a six-seed in the tournament, opened the tournament by defeated No. 3 Southern Nazarene (Okla.).

 

Langston, who ends their season at 31-2, opened the game with an 11-1 run, including the game's first five points.  However, Trevecca Nazarene responded with a 10-0 run, capped off by a three pointer from K.C. Van Atta, to tie the game at 11-11 at the 14:59.  The Lady Lions of Langston again moved back on top by six points, but the lead was short-lived.  TNU answered with a late first half serge, scoring 20 of the half's final 31 points to take a 38-32 halftime lead.

 

Trevecca Nazarene sank 5-of-9 three pointers in the first half to help take control of the game.

 

The second half started with Trevecca Nazarene keeping the momentum gained late in the first half as they posted four straight points to push their lead to double-digits for the first time in the contest.  The lead remained safely in the Trojans' favor.  Langston pulled as close as five points, 55-50, with 9:24 left, but couldn't get any closer.

 

Trevecca stretched the lead out to as many as 14 points, 76-62, in the final minutes before coasting to a 78-66 second round win.

 

The Trojans were led with five players in double figures, led by Kristin Archie's game-high 20 points.  Mariska Reed scored 18 points, Abby Lawson added 15 points, and K.C. Van Atta posted 10 points.  Jennifer Bognar recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the game.

 

Langson was led by Latesha Calton with 18 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.  Jenissa Harris also posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.  Dominque Thomas added 18 points while Sachia Clemmons scored 13 points.

 

Trevecca Nazarene will advance to the quarterfinals on Saturday, March 22 at 2:00 pm and will face the Point Loma Nazarene/Loyola winner.  This is the fourth straight trip to the quarterfinals for the Trojans who are looking for their first ever semifinal appearance.

 

 

 

NAIA

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.