SOUTH BEND, Ind.- The Indiana University South Bend Titans (29-1, 19-1 CCAC) defeated the Indiana University Northwest RedHawks (16-12, 13-7 CCAC) by a final score of 77-66 in the CCAC semifinals.
The Titans jumped out to a hot start out of the gate, outscoring the RedHawks 17-12 in the first quarter, their largest scoring differential of any quarter.
IU South Bend grew their lead by outscoring IU Northwest by two points in the second quarter to take a seven point lead going into halftime.
Outscoring the RedHawks by two points in both the third and the fourth quarters, IU South Bend went on to win the game thanks to all five starters entering the scoring column in the fourth quarter.
Each Titan that entered Thursday's CCAC semifinal scored at least three points with four players reaching double figures, led by
Maddie Gard who finished with a team high 18 points.
Gard's 18 points came on four made field goals, two three point field goals and a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line.
The next Titan in the scoring column was
Jazmen Watts who finished with 17 points.
Watts' 17 points came on nearly 50% shooting from the field (5-11) while sinking two three pointers and falling one rebound shy of tying her season high with nine boards.
Both
Tenleigh Phelps and
Katie Gard concluded Thursday's contest with 16 points.
Phelps' 16 points came via five made field goals, two made three pointers and four made free throws while playing in every minute of the game.
Gard's 16 points also came on five made field goals and three made three pointers while falling just one rebound shy of recording a double-double.
Guard
Emma Fisher wrapped up Thursday's semifinal with seven points, seven assists and a team high 10 rebounds.
The Indiana University South Bend Titans return to action on Saturday, March 2nd, when they host the #7 seeded Olivet Nazarene University Tigers at 1:00 PM ET in the Student Activities Center, looking to capture their second consecutive CCAC Tournament Championship.