Winona, MN-
The Northland Community & Technical College Pioneers (21-5 overall) defeated North Country Community College by a 70- 61 scoreline in the 2019-20 NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship, quarterfinal action at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois.
Northland's 11th national tournament appearance is off to a strong start, but the victory was far from easy for head coach Shannon Nelson and her team. North Country battled back from a double-digit deficit mid-way through the first half and the two teams went into the lockerroom with a only a one-point margin favoring the Pioneers, 35-34.
The Pioneer depth and experience paid off in the final two quarters, with Northland converting several free-throws down the stretch to pull away from the Saints.
Northland advances to a 11am semi-final contest tomorrow, Friday March 13. The national championship contest is currently scheduled for 6pm tomorrow, Friday March 13 as well, should the Pioneers 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 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
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.