MADISON, S.D.-Â The Indiana University South Bend Titans (31-1, 19-1 CCAC) defeated the Grand View University Vikings (27-5, 20-4 HOA) by a final score of 72-53.
Friday’s win pushes the Titans past the first round of the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament and on to the round of 32.
Leading throughout most of the first quarter, IU South Bend outscored Grand View 19-10 in the first quarter thanks to a 17-4 run midway through the first 10 minutes.
The second quarter proved more of the same with the Titans outscoring the Vikings by seven points to 16 point lead heading into halftime.
Grand View cut the IUSB lead to just 11 points midway through the third quarter before a six point burst stopped the Grand View momentum and allowed the Titans to take a 54-38 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Not going away, the Vikings cut their deficit to 13 points early in the fourth quarter before IU South Bend closed their first round contest on an 18-11 run to advance themselves to the round of 32, defeating Grand View by a final score of 72-53.
A balanced Titans offense featured four players to score in double figures, led by guard Jazmen Watts who finished one point shy of tying her IU South Bend career high with 24 points.
Watts’ 24 points came on better than 80% shooting (10-12) while knocking down all four three point field goals that IUSB converted on while also securing eight rebounds.
The next Titan to score in double figures was fifth year senior Maddie Gard who finished with 15 points.
Gard’s 15 points came on six made field goals while sinking three of the six free throws that she attempted while falling just two rebounds shy of double-double status with eight rebounds.
Another Titan to score in double figures was Tenleigh Phelps who finished with 13 points.
Phelps’ 13 points came on 50% shooting from the field (5-10) and hauling in six rebounds to help lead IU South Bend to victory.
The last Titan to score in double figures was guard Katie Gard who finished with 11 points.
Gard’s 11 points came on nearly 50% shooting from the field while knocking down three of the four free throws that she attempted while also securing six rebounds.
Fifth year guard Emma Fisher led the IU South Bend Titan defense with four steals while playing 36 of the 40 minutes in Friday’s contest.
As a team, the swarming IUSB defense held Grand View to 27% shooting from the field and just 22% from the three point line.
The Indiana University South Bend Titans return to action on Saturday, March 16th, at 7:00 PM ET against the winner of #4 Dakota State University versus #13 Science and Arts (Okla.) for the right to advance to the Sweet Sixteen in the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament.