Northwestern (Iowa) claimed the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship with a 75-62 victory over the College of the Ozarks on Tuesday to raise their fifth banner in school history. Nixa, Mo. native Morgan Smith finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with an average of 23.0 points per game. She put together another solid effort on Tuesday with 23 points and 15 rebounds.
Lady Bobcat head coach George Wilson has led the Ozarks to all four of its national championship appearances, but is still searching for his first title. Ozarks lost in three-consecutive national title games from 2006 to 2008. Tuesday’s loss snapped the team’s streak of 24-straight wins.
All-Tournament team
First Team:
Kelsey Combs, College of the Ozarks (Mo.)
Kendra De Jong, Northwestern (Iowa)
Jennifer Jorgensen, Grand View (Iowa)
Kami Kuhlmann, Northwestern (Iowa)
Katie Rich, Concordia (Neb.)
Morgan Smith, College of the Ozarks (Mo.)
Hustle Award:
Morgan Hickey, Ozarks (Mo.)