By Benny Rogers/TVCC Sports Information
Started breathing again?
The Lady Cards survived a physical, tension-filled thriller in double overtime Thursday night for a 67-62 win against Iowa Western in quarterfinal action at the NJCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship Tournament.
As a result, the third-seeded Lady Cards (31-3) are still alive for a fifth straight appearance in the national title game and fourth straight national championship — ninth overall. They will face second-seeded Chipola (32-1) in the semifinals tonight at 8. Chipola was an easy 76-44 winner against No. 7 Southern Idaho in its quarterfinal tilt.
In the other semifinal at 6 p.m., it will be No. 1 Hutchinson (35-0) vs. No. 5 Walters State (32-2). Hutchinson held off No. 9 Northwest Florida State, 68-54, and Walters State took care of No. 4 New Mexico, 78-64.
Tonight’s winners will square off in the national title game Saturday at 7 p.m. The two losers will play in the third-place game at 5 p.m.
The score was tied 50-50 at the end of regulation and 56-56 at the end of the first overtime with the Lady Cards having to rally both times to extend the game. In the second OT, Maya Singleton hit a clutch 15-foot jumper at the 31-second mark with the shot clock winding down and Kami Mickens followed with a big-time three-pointer on the next possession.
Jazmine Spears led the Lady Card scoring with 21 points. She also had 10 rebounds. Singleton had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Autummn Williams netted eight points and Mickens seven.
The Lady Cards led 30-21 at the half. Their largest lead was 26-13. The game featured eight lead changes and the score was tied six times.
Like the Lady Cards, Chipola didn’t play its first game until Wednesday afternoon, racing away with an 86-52 win against No. 15 Coffeyville. The Lady Cards scored a 64-49 win against No. 19 Wallace State in their opener.
The semifinals are a good place for the Lady Cards to be. They are a perfect 11-0 in national semifinal games.
Thursday’s game was the 75th for the Lady Cards in 20 national tournament appearances. They are now 59-16.
You can watch tonight’s semifinals online at www.njcaatv.ihigh.com. Also, for audio only, you can hear the games at www.KSAL.com.
It’s 34 and clear in Salina this morning. Today’s high is expected to reach a very nice 74 with plenty of sunshine. Saturday’s high is forecast to be 78
Now that everyone has resumed breathing, please wear red and send positive thoughts and vibes to the Lady Cards.