In their first-ever South Central Regional Tournament appearance, Texas A&M-Commerce captured the regional title with a 71-70 victory over Washburn. The win sends the Lions to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The Lone Star Conference North Division and overall champions improve to 28-8 on the year and will play Clayton State on Wednesday, March 21, in a national quarterfinal game in Kearney, Neb. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Central time.

The Lions won their 11th straight game, a school record, including a three-game regional run through three top-15 ranked Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association teams - No. 13 Emporia State, No. 6 Missouri Western State and No. 5 Washburn.

A&M-C took a 43-30 lead into halftime after a quick start paced by LSC North Division Player of the Year Kanani Marshal with 16 points.

The Lady Blues made a comeback in the second half with an 18-6 run to get back in the game. With 5:49 remaining, Washburn took its biggest lead, 61-56.

Katedria Mosley brought A&M-C back with 12 second-half points including a stretch of nine of 11 points for the Lions.

With 4.1 seconds on the clock, Marshal was fouled and sent to the free throw line. She made one to extend the Lions lead to three, 71-68.

On the following possession, A&M-C intentionally fouled Washburn's Jessica Mainz to avoid a potential game-tying three-pointer. Mainz hit the first free throw and missed the ensuing attempt but the Lady Blues Amanda Holmes grabbed the rebound. She was fouled and sent to the charity stripe with the chance to tie the game with 0.7 seconds remaining in the game. Holmes made the first attempt but missed the second off the back of the rim.

The Lions' Dawn Montgomery got the loose ball to seal the victory and championship.

For more information on the NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight, visit NCAAsports.com or the Nebraska-Kearney Elite Eight Tournament Homepage