Lady Pioneers punch ticket to semifinals with huge second half

February 25, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

MOUNT PLEASANT, IOWA – Sixth-seeded Crowley's Ridge College advanced to the Continental Athletic Conference semifinals with a 44-point second half to best the fourth-seeded Wilberforce (Ohio) University Lady Bulldogs 71-63.

The Lady Pioneers (15-13, 5-5 CAC) found themselves in a hole early, trailing the Lady Bulldogs 21-7 at the 3:21 mark of the first quarter. CRC hit their free throws when it was needed, going 6-10 from the charity stripe in the first period. After the opening 10 minutes, Wilberforce led 22-13.

Crowley's Ridge's defense held Wilberforce (12-14, 7-4 CAC) to a 4-19 quarter from the floor in the second quarter. Cutting their point total in half, the Bulldogs managed 11 points while Crowley's Ridge improved to a 14-point quarter before the break. At intermission, the Lady 'Neers trailed 33-27.

As has often been the case in this record-breaking season, the girls in green saved their best basketball for the second half. Exploding for 20 points in the third quarter, Travia Woodruff's free throws in the final minute gave CRC their first lead of the game at 45-44.

The Bulldogs made a valiant effort to reclaim the lead, scoring 19 points in the final 10 minutes. The Lady Pioneers; however, continued hitting their free throws, going 12-14 in the last quarter to advance to the tournament semifinals with a 71-63 win.

Woodruff's 20-point effort paced the Lady Pioneers, while N'Kyah Edwards and Madison Sellars followed with 10 points each. As a team, Crowley's Ridge went 25-34 from the free-throw line.

Up Next

The Lady Pioneers will watch the #2 seed Haskell Indian Nations (Kan.) University Fightin' Indians take on the #7 seed Cottey (Mo.) College Comets to determine their next opponent. CRC will take on the winner of that contest on Saturday, February 26, at 4:00 p.m. in Point Pleasant, Iowa's Ruble Arena.