SIOUX CITY, Iowa: In a thrilling semifinal showdown at the 2025 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship in Sioux City, Iowa, Indiana Wesleyan narrowly defeated Briar Cliff (Iowa) with a final score of 70-69.

The game was closely contested throughout, with the Wildcats holding a slight edge in the first quarter, leading 13-10. The Chargers responded in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana Wesleyan 21-13, to take a 31-26 lead into halftime. However, Indiana Wesleyan came back strong in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead by outscoring Briar Cliff 19-11. The final quarter was a high-scoring affair, with Briar Cliff posting 27 points to Indiana Wesleyan’s 25, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

A balanced team effort fueled Indiana Wesleyan’s victory. Lilli Frasure was a standout performer, contributing 19 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Emily Mattingly added 13 points, including three crucial three-pointers. The team shot 39.0% from the field and an impressive 85.0% from the free-throw line, which proved pivotal in the closely contested match.

Briar Cliff was led by Mallie McNair, who scored 18 points and grabbed four rebounds. Grace Flanagan also made significant contributions with 13 points and six rebounds. Briar Cliff shot 40.3% from the field and 76.9% from the free-throw line, but their efforts fell just short in the final moments of the game.

Both teams displayed remarkable defensive efforts, with Indiana Wesleyan recording 10 steals and five blocks while Briar Cliff had six steals and two blocks. The evenly matched teams also showed their prowess on the boards, with Briar Cliff slightly edging Indiana Wesleyan in total rebounds, 39 to 37.

Indiana Wesleyan advances to the championship game and will take on defending national champions Dordt (Iowa) at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, March 25.