Box Score
Box Score

MADISON, S.D. – Sarah Jackson of Cal State San Marcos hit a second-chance lay-up with less than 15 seconds remaining to send the Cougars to the NAIA nationals Saturday in the semifinals of the 2012 State Farm Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) at DSU Fieldhouse.  The Cougars added two-free throws to gain a 62-59 thrilling win over the Red Hawks.

Cal State San Marcos, tournament's No. 3 seed, raised their overall record to 17-14 and qualified for the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championships.  Indiana Northwest (No. 2 seed) dropped to 19-12 record.

The Cougars and Red Hawks battled through the first twenty minutes of the game with six ties.  CSU San Marcos earned a 36-32 halftime advantage.

With the Cougars leading at 39-38 with 15:48 remaining in the game, CSU San Marcos used a 15-1 run to extend to their largest lead of the game at 54-39 with 8:27 left.

Indiana Northwest answered back with a 19-4 scoring run to tie the game at 58-58.

Ashley Parish made a free-throw with a minute left in the game for a 59-58 IUN lead.

After a missed jumper shot by Cougar Sidney Jackson, Indiana Northwest could not convert their last scoring opportunity as they committed a turnover with 0.6 seconds remaining.

Michel'La Logan hit two free-throws to seal the victory.

Logan had a double-double of 14 points and pulled down 15 rebounds off the bench for the Cougars.  Jackson added 12 points.  Justine Chacon scored 11 points and dished out four assists.

Sharon Houston had a double-double of 24 points and earned 16 boards for the Red Hawks.  She had four blocked shots.  Bianne Wischman scored 14 points and dished out four assists off the bench.  Juilette Kelloer added 10 points.

Both teams struggled from the field throughout the game, shooting below 40 percent.  CSU San Marcos shot 32.4 percent (22-for-68) compared to the Red Hawks' 37.3 percent (19-for-51).

The Cougars outrebounded IUN 47-38.  CSU San Marcos had 24 offensive rebounds.

A combined 50 turnovers were committed in the game – 27 by the Red Hawks and 23 by the CSU-SM.

The Cougars outscored the Red Hawks 34-16 inside the paint and 16-0 in fast-break points.

Cal State San Marcos advances to the State Farm A.I.I. Women's Basketball Tournament's championship game at 4 p.m. Sunday.  The Cougars will play the winner of Valley City State-No. 7 Jamestown in the second semifinal game.