SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Marian never trailed and withstood a late rally from Dakota Wesleyan to secure a 62-54 victory Monday night in the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship semifinals at the Tyson Events Center.
The top-seeded Knights (34-2) advanced to the national title game behind a balanced effort and timely defense, while No. 2 Dakota Wesleyan saw its season end at 29-7 as GPAC champions and national semifinalists.
Marian set the tone early, opening the game on a 10-3 run and holding the Tigers to just 2-of-12 shooting in the first quarter. Dakota Wesleyan managed only six points in the opening period and trailed 15-6 after one.
The Knights maintained control in the second quarter, stretching the lead to double digits for much of the half. Despite a late push from the Tigers, Marian carried a 28-17 advantage into the break in a game dominated by defense and physical play.
Dakota Wesleyan found more rhythm offensively in the third quarter, getting contributions from Emma Yost and Avery Broughton to stay within striking distance. The Tigers trimmed the deficit to single digits heading into the fourth at 42-34.
The rally continued early in the final period. A 3-pointer by Rylee Rosenquist and a pair of free throws later cut the margin to just three points, the closest Dakota Wesleyan had been since the opening minutes.
But Marian answered at every turn.
Olivia Faust hit a key 3-pointer and Kenna Kirby completed a three-point play during a decisive 6-0 run that pushed the lead back to nine. The Knights then leaned on their defense and free-throw shooting down the stretch to seal the win.
Abbey McNally led Marian with 16 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, while Madisyn Bailey added 15 points and five assists. Faust chipped in nine points, all from beyond the arc.
Dakota Wesleyan was led by Broughton and Rosenquist with 10 points apiece. Shalayne Nagel recorded 10 rebounds, and the Tigers outrebounded Marian 44-37, but were undone by 19 turnovers that led to 21 Knights points.
Both teams struggled from the field, with Marian shooting 33% and Dakota Wesleyan 32%, but the Knights capitalized on extra opportunities and made key plays in the closing minutes.
Despite the loss, Dakota Wesleyan capped one of the top seasons in school history, advancing to the NAIA semifinals and finishing with 29 wins.