BILLINGS, MONT. – Daniela Galindo’s shot as time expired finally pushed Oklahoma City over the top.
Second-seeded Oklahoma City played from behind through most of the contest, but rallied for an 81-79 win over the third seed Montana Western in the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship.
OCU (31-2) fell behind in the first quarter and had to try to stay with UMW (24-9) in the second round matchup.
Oklahoma City trailed by seven at the end of the first quarter and by eight after three. This was due in large part to the play of Montana Western’s Aniese Palmore, who was 8-of-13 from behind the arc and put in a game-high 29 points.
The Stars lost the Sooner Athletic Conference and OklahomaSports.Net NAIA
Player of the Year, Daniela Wallen, when she picked up her fifth foul with 4:31 to play. Wallen left with 22 points.
But OCU had clutch shots from Brooke Irvin, Allison Frey and Janae Haag down the stretch in her absence.
Irvin had a team-high 24 points in the win. Gallindo put in 23 points, including the game-winner, and had seven rebounds.
Oklahoma City advances and will play again and will play again at 3 p.m. CDT against the top seed in the Cramer Bracket, Lindsay Wilson (Ky.)