Western Tech Continues Upset Run; Cavaliers Advance to NJCAA semi-Final

Western Tech Continues Upset Run; Cavaliers Advance to NJCAA semi-Final

Winona, MN-

The Western Technical College Cavaliers (23-6 overall) defeated defending national champions Hostos (NY) Community College by a 77- 67 score to advance to the semi-finals of the 2019-20 NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship in Rockford, Illinois this evening.

Western Technical, making their second consecutive national tournament appearance, found a way to win against one of the top NJCAA Division III programs in country.  First-year coach Brent Thill and his Cavalier squad produced a balanced offensive effort and hit key free throws down the stretch in the upset win. 

The Cavalier composure at the free throw line was key for WTC in the second half, with Western Tech converting several attempts from the charity stripe down the stretch to pull away from the Caimans.  

Western Tech advances to a 1pm semi-final contest tomorrow, Friday March 13.   The national championship contest is scheduled for 6pm tomorrow, Friday March 13 as well, should the Cavaliers win in the semi-final. 

The NJCAA National Office announced on Thursday significant changes to the 2019-20 NJCAA Division III Men's and Women's Basketball Championships.   These preventive measures included canceling all consolation contests and shortening both men's and women's Division III tournaments by one day.  

Read below the complete statement issued by Dr. Chris Parker, NJCAA CEO on the NJCAA Division Men's and Women's Basketball Championships, including Division III. 


Updated NJCAA Statement Regarding Men's & Women's Basketball Tournaments

 Mar 12, 2020
 
Charlotte, NC – In light of recent developments regarding COVID-19, the NJCAA has made the decision to postpone national championship events for the upcoming DI and DII men's and women's basketball tournaments. DIII men's and women's basketball championships, currently underway, will work with an expedited schedule that will conclude on Friday, March 13.

Originally scheduled to begin the week of March 16, the four upcoming national championship events – DI men, DI women, DII men, and DII women will aim for a tentative start date of Monday, April 20.

The DIII men's and women's national championships, currently underway, will cancel all consolation games and will move semifinal and championship games to Friday, March 13. Effective immediately, spectators will be restricted from the remaining contests for both DIII championships in Rockford, IL and Rochester, MN.

Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO expressed his sentiments regarding the situation. "Due to the concerns surrounding the safety and security of our student-athletes and those involved with Division I and Division II NJCAA championships, we are postponing the tournaments and maintaining a fluid mentality to see these tournaments take place with a tentative start date.

We have two main objectives in this situation - first and foremost is to protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, college personnel, and fans. Second is to make sure our student-athletes receive the national championship experience that they have worked so hard for."

Start dates for each of the respective tournaments are tentative and the NJCAA will continue to follow all state and local mandates, restrictions, and regulations as it impacts its member institutions and national championship events.