Rochester, MN:
Two MCAC rivals, Northland Tech and Anoka-Ramsey, traveled by plane, train and automobile, to face off in the NJCAA Women's Basketball National Tournament quarterfinal round, held at the Jorgensen Athletic Complex in Utica, New York. And while both squads were quite a distance from their home campuses in Thief River Falls and Coon Rapids, not much else could separate them from each other in a quarterfinal matchup.
In one of the most closely contested games either team faced all season, the Anoka-Ramsey Golden Rams defeated the Northland Pioneers, 73-71, to survive and advance to the semi-finals of the NJCAA Divison III National Tournament. The game was a battle up to literally the last second, as NCTC post player ShaRon Miller drained a 3 pointer at the final buzzer to cut the deficit to two points, but in the end, Anoka takes the win and the next step into the semi's.
Coach Shannon Nelson's squad could emulate the saying, "We didn't lose, we were just behind when time ran out", as the Pioneers fought and scrapped their way through the entire game, but were unable to close a 2-to-4 point gap Anoka had established at the end of the first quarter.
On the other side of the scoreline, Dave DeWitt's team found a way to prevail despite enduring a chaotic travel situation en route to the tournament, as well as Northland's perseverance on the court. The Golden Rams were able to take a 32-30 lead into the lockerroom at halftime, as well as a three point lead after three quarters. Anoka-Ramsey, who captured National Titles in 2007 and 2011, will hope that the odd-year trend continues as they seek out a third trophy in 2017. Anoka will face the winner of Roxbury and Hostos, who tip-off at 2pm EST. Tomorrow's semi-final contest will begin at 5pm EST Friday, March 17th.
Find up-to-date NJCAA Division III Women's National Tournament information by clicking here.
Story courtesy of MCAC Sports.