SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - Top-seeded College of the Ozarks (Mo.) cruised to a 78-53 victory over Concordia University (Neb.) in the quarterfinals of the 17th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship in Sioux City, Iowa. Ozarks (34-1) jumped out to a quick 24-14 lead before ten minutes had passed in the first half. By halftime the Bobcats' lead swelled to 38-25. Ozarks came out of the break with the same steam they had in the first half, going on an 8-0 run to start the second frame. Ozarks would hold maintain a lead of better than 20 points for the remainder of the quarterfinal matchup.
Concordia (26-7) could not find a shooting touch on the afternoon as the Ozarks held the Bulldogs to 31 percent (19-for-61) shooting. The Bobcats also forced 25 Concordia turnovers which led to 33 points for the Ozarks. On the other hand while Concordia was cold from the field Ozarks was not drastically better shooting 40 percent (29-for-72) from the field. The Bobcats outrebounded Concordia 52-42.
Ozarks was led offensively by Lindsy Murray with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, while three other starters each went for 11 points apiece: Janessa Demuth, Kayli Combs, and Rebekah Howard.
Concordia was led offensively by Libby Hirssig with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field.
Ozarks advances to the semifinals to take on Hastings (Neb.) on Monday. This is Ozarks third consecutive season making an appearance in the semifinals, last year the Bobcats defeated MidAmerica Nazarene 80-68 before falling to Indiana Wesleyan in the championship game.
Concordia ends the season having five of their seven season losses happening to teams still active in the championship tournament.
See also: NAIA tournament page;
Sioux City Journal tournament coverage; Concordia's game against Davenport University (round two); Concordia's game against Union College (round one)
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