Bentley used a furious full court press to outscore West Texas A&M 21-5 in the final three minutes Friday night, and the Falcons defeated the Lady Buffs 73-65 at Erie Insurance Arena to win the NCAA Division II women’s basketball championship.
The Falcons, trailing 60-54, scored six points in 13 seconds thanks to three consecutive back court steals, and player of the year Lauren Battista hit a three-pointer to put Bentley ahead for good as the Falcons stunned the Lady Buffs (32-3).
Courtney Finn had 21 points, including 12 of 12 from the free-throw line, Jacqui Brugliera scored 17, and Battista had 14 for Bentley, while point guard Christiana Bakolas had eight assists and two steals.
Devin Griffin led West Texas with 20 points.
Bentley (35-0) won its first Division II national championship, playing on the campus of Gannon University in Erie, Pa.
Brugliera was on the bench with four fouls when West Texas A&M opened a 50-42 lead on a drive by Sally Higgins with 8:44 remaining.
Battista made a three-pointer, but when Griffin scored two more, it was 52-44.
Brugliera returned to the game and converted back-to back baskets to cut the deficit to 58-53. Then, in a 30-second flurry, the Falcons were back even, 60-60, on two free throws by Bakolas with 2:47 left.
Battista hit a three-pointer and converted her own steal into a layup, and Bentley led 65-61.
Sports, Pages 23 on 03/29/2014