Cinderella Run Ends in NCAA Tournament Second Round

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Washington University Bears broke open a close game with a stunning 31-7 run to close the first half, setting the stage for an 80-58 victory over Wittenberg in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament.

The loss closed out a Cinderella run for the Tigers, who were picked to finish fifth in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) prior to the season. Wittenberg saw its seven-game winning streak snapped to close out the season with a mark of 24-7.

Washington University, ranked eighth nationally, advances to face No. 1 ranked Thomas More on Friday, March 13, at a site to be determined. The Bears, champions of the University Athletic Association, improved to 25-2 on the season.

The first all-time meeting in women's basketball between the two universities had all the trappings of a March Madness classic until Washington University put on a clinic over the final 8:25 of the first half. The Bears made 9-of-13 shots from the field during the run and 6-of-7 from the free throw line as they turned an 18-17 Wittenberg lead into a commanding 48-25 advantage going into the intermission.

The run was punctuated by a running three-pointer from just across the midcourt stripe by Washington University's Jordan Thompson.

The Tigers refused to go away, however, and the game was played at a frenetic, intense pace over the final 20 minutes. Wittenberg actually finished with a 33-32 advantage in the second half, but the lead was never really in jeopardy as Washington University repeatedly blunted Tiger efforts thanks to 50 percent shooting from the field.

For the game, the Bears shot 53.3 percent, including an 8-of-16 performance from three-point range. Washington University, which had a huge size advantage, finished with a 35-30 rebounding margin.

Wittenberg put three players in double figures offensively as senior Darbie Zirkle (St. Paris, Ohio/Graham) led with 20 points, senior Katelyn Haralamos (Maineville, Ohio/Kings) added 18 points and senior Enri Small (Columbus, Ohio/Columbus School for Girls) chipped in with 14. Small also finished with five rebounds and four steals, while Zirkle added six rebounds and three steals.

Written By: Ryan Maurer