The SXU Women’s Basketball team wrapped up their CCAC Tournament performance with a solid second-place finish.
The Cougars kicked off the tournament on February 25th when they played against the Governor’s State University Tigers. Saint Xavier entered the tournament with a 28-3 record while the Tigers entered with a 12-19 record.
The first quarter did not start well for the Cougars, as their offense was sluggish and their defense was not much better.
The Tigers were even able to jump out to a six point lead halfway through the quarter. However, the Cougars fought back from there, eventually tying things up at 14 as the first quarter ended.
The second quarter was much better for SXU, as their offense finally started to click and they jumped out to a 12 point lead halfway through the quarter. When the second quarter eventually ended, the Cougars were up 31-24 on the Tigers.
The third quarter was more of the same dominance from SXU, who completely shut down the Governor’s State offense. The third quarter eventually ended with the Cougars up 44-34.
The fourth and final quarter was another dominant performance from the SXU offense, which allowed the Cougars to eventually win 66-47.
With the win, the Cougars advanced to the CCAC Tournament Semifinals.
Saint Xavier next played the IU-South Bend Titans in the CCAC Tournament Semifinals. The Cougars completely dominated the game and knocked out the Titans with a big 91-74 victory.
With that win, the Cougars moved on to play the St. Francis (IL) Fighting Saints in the CCAC Tournament Finals. The Fighting Saints entered the game with a 27-5 record.
The first quarter was a defensive affair, with both teams not really providing much offense. The quarter eventually ended with SXU up 9-7.
The second quarter started off well for the Cougars, but halfway through the quarter, the Fighting Saints stormed back. They went on a 14-8 run for the rest of the quarter and eventually ended it with a 30-24 lead.
The third quarter was a very good one from the Fighting Saints, who outpaced the SXU offense and eventually ended the quarter with a 51-42 lead.
Saint Xavier needed a comeback in the fourth quarter and that is what they got. The Cougars were able to cut the St. Francis (IL) lead to just two points with one minute left to play.
With 24 seconds left, SXU guard Maddie Welter was fouled and had the chance to tie the game if she made her two free throws.
However, she only made one and the Cougars were forced to foul the Fighting Saints in order to get the ball back. With five seconds left and the Cougars down by two points, Welter attempted a three pointer that failed to get in the basket.
With that, the Fighting Saints beat the Cougars to claim the CCAC Tournament Championship by a score of 66-63. The SXU Women’s Basketball team will next participate in the NAIA National Tournament from March 11th to the 17th.