BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — The SDSU women picked up a 62-59 win over UCLA on Thursday night, to advance to their first ever WNIT Championship.
SDSU will host Seton Hall on Saturday in the WNIT Championship. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
In front of a capacity crowd, the Jackrabbits grinded out a win that took to the final minute of the game.
Both offenses had a tough go of it early as the first few minutes saw a 4-4 game.
The contest was tied at 12 late in the first, until a late foul gave UCLA three free throws. They’d cash those in and take a 15-12 lead after one.
The second quarter saw the offensive struggle continue.
UCLA scored just ten points in the quarter, but it appeared their lead would hold up, until a last second sequence of events.
Paiton Burckhard blocked an opposing Bruin player on a fast break. Tylee Irwin grabbed the rebound, ran the floor and finished with the hoop and the harm at the buzzer.
SDSU led 27-25 at the break.
The third quarter saw another tight battle, but UCLA used a 6-0 run to take the lead. SDSU would close the quarter strong as a Haleigh Timmer layup evened the game at 40 with just ten minutes to play.
The Jacks rolled that into an 10-1 run, but the Bruins answered with a 4-0 run to make it a one point game at 46-45.
The game was back and forth in the final two minutes as each team took shots at the lead.
With under a minute to play, Haleigh Timmer connected on a 15 foot baseline jumper for the lead.
The Jacks led 60-58 with 38 seconds to play.
Two clutch free throws from Tori Nelson would give them a 62-59 lead. Followed by a defensive stop, the Jackrabbits earned the 62-59 win over UCLA.
They’re headed to their first ever WNIT Championship!
