Bracket (PDF)
NORTH CANTON, Ohio – For the second year in a row, the No. 1 Walsh Cavaliers and No. 2 Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers will battle it out for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Championship.
Both Walsh and Kentucky Wesleyan controlled the pace for most of their respective semifinal games in Alumni Arena.
Walsh continued to blitz opponents as they knocked off No. 5 Malone 82-47. Kentucky Wesleyan held off a third quarter run from No. 3 Findlay, as they defeated the Oilers 66-48.
The Great Midwest Championship game will be played Saturday at 4 p.m. ET in Alumni Arena and will be streamed on the Great Midwest Digital Network.
Either Walsh or Kentucky Wesleyan will represent the G-MAC in the NCAA Championship Midwest Regional with the league’s automatic bid.
Walsh and Malone traded baskets early in the first quarter before the Cavaliers pulled away, leading 40-23 by halftime.
The Cavaliers dominated the paint, outscoring the Pioneers 52-26 in that area. Walsh’s defense continues to be a problem for opponents, forcing Malone to 29.8 percent (17-57) shooting from the floor and 14.3 percent (3-21) from three.
First Team All-Conference selection Mayci Sales led Walsh with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Alyssa Dean came off the bench to contribute 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists to Walsh’s efforts.
Balanced scoring helped Kentucky Wesleyan to victory as four players reached double figures, highlighted by First Team All-Conference selection Keelie Lamb’s 11-point, nine rebound outing. Emma Johnson added 12 for the Panthers.
Forcing Findlay to 21 turnovers, the Panther’s defensive efforts were key to Friday’s semifinal win. KWC held Findlay to 30.9 percent (17-55) from the field and 23.8 percent (5-21) from deep.