RU ADVANCES to 2nd Round in NAIA National Tournament with WIN over Arizona Christian

Great Falls, MT – After a hard fought & fantastic season, the Reinhardt Women's Basketball team earned an at large bid to the NAIA National Tournament. 

After the bracket was released, Reinhardt was set to travel to Montana as the # 2 seed. In a four-team bracket, the eagles first matched up against #3 Arizona Christian.

Both teams came out matching each other' score in the 1^st quarter. The score was 16-14 in favor of Arizona. Reinhardt hit some big shots in the 2^nd quarter to end the half winning 32-28. 

In the third quarter, both teams went bucket for bucket each scoring 18 points. Going into the fourth Reinhardt was up 50-46. Both teams were competing hard with a ticket to the 2^nd round of the tournament on the line.

It was a close game down the stretch, & with 1:13 left in the 4^th quarter, Reinhardt was losing 63-62. Then Tarrah Gibson made a clutch lay-up to put RU up 64-63. RU scored one more free-throw & the following play with a chance to tie the game, Arizona went 1-2 at the free throw line bringing the game to a close with a 65-64 Reinhardt Victory. The team made Reinhardt history as being the first team to ever win a NAIA Nationals tournament game. 

Reinhardt's Tarrah Gibson posted a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, & 2 blocks. Maria Sanchez Ponce led Reinhardt in points with 16, & she also tallied 9 rebounds. Ashley Woodroffe had a notable performance as well. She scored 12 points, had 7 assists, & 3 steals to help Reinhardt win the close game.

Reinhardt will now be matching up against the host school Providence in the 2^nd round on Saturday March 16^th @ 7:00 PM (US/Eastern).