SOUTH BEND, Ind.- The Indiana University South Bend Titans (27-2, 18-2 CCAC) defeated the University of Saint Francis Fighting Saints (22-7, 16-4 CCAC) by a score of 70-64. 

Friday's victory sends the Titans into the CCAC Tournament Championship as they host Indiana University Northwest on Monday, February 27th, at 7:00 PM.

IU South Bend and Saint Francis traded baskets throughout the first half with the Titans outscoring the Saints 14-12 in the first quarter and the Saints outscoring the Titans 18-15 in the second quarter, leaving IU South Bend trailing by one point heading into halftime. 

Seven third quarter points by Saints senior guard Hannah Swiatek led the Saints to a four point lead heading into the fourth quarter. 

The CCAC semifinal's leading scorer Katie Gard produced 10 points in the fourth quarter to go along with seven points from IU South Bend guard Sara Doi to propel the Titans to victory by a score of 70-64 and send IU South Bend to the tournament championship. 

The Titans were led by senior guard Katie Gard who scored 19 points on 50% shooting to boost her season scoring average to almost 14 points per game. 

Next in line in scoring for the Titans was Sara Doi, scoring 11 points while only missing two of the shots she attempted while playing a team high 36 minutes. 

Center Tia Chambers reached double-double status for the third time this season, recording 11 rebounds and scoring 11 points on 5-7 shooting from the field. 

The last Titan to reach double figures was senior guard Emma Fisher who also finished with 11 points on 4-7 shooting from the field and fell just two rebounds shy of a double-double with eight boards. 

Indiana University South Bend returns to action on Monday, February 27th, when they host Indiana University Northwest at 7:00 PM in the Student Activities Center as they looking to win the CCAC Tournament Championship.