NAIA Madness: Upsets and Overtime Thrillers Ignite Quarterfinals

The opening day of the 2024 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa, delivered a captivating display of skill, determination, and sheer excitement. As the Round of 16 unfolded, fans witnessed major upsets and a gripping overtime thriller, setting the stage for an electrifying quarterfinal round.

In the Cramer Quadrant, the No. 4 seed Dakota State Trojans (S.D.) pulled off a stunning 76-65 victory over the top-seeded Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats. Jordan Reid of Indiana Wesleyan led all scorers with an impressive 25 points, but it was the Trojans’ Lilli Mackley who stepped up with 16 points, including a crucial three-pointer that gave Dakota State the lead late in the game.

“We knew we had to play our best basketball to beat a team like Indiana Wesleyan,” said Mackley after the game. “Our team showed incredible resilience and fought until the very end.”

The Cramer Quadrant also witnessed a heart-stopping overtime battle between No. 2 seed Carroll College (Mont.) and No. 6 seed Loyola (La.). After trailing by 13 points, Carroll mounted a remarkable comeback to force overtime. In the extra period, Jamie Pickens of Carroll sank a clutch jump shot, and Kyndall Keller added a free throw with two seconds remaining to secure a 58-55 victory for the Saints.

“We never doubted ourselves, even when we were down,” said Keller, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. “This team has shown time and again that we can battle through adversity.”

In the Naismith Quadrant, the top-seeded Marian Knights (Ind.) and second-seeded Providence Argos (Mont.) advanced as expected, but not without facing stiff challenges. Marian defeated No. 12 seed Jamestown (N.D.) 72-63, with Abbey McNally contributing a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. Providence, meanwhile, edged out No. 3 seed Concordia (Neb.) 73-66 in a closely contested affair, led by a balanced offensive effort from five players scoring in double figures.

As the dust settles on the Round of 16, the quarterfinal matchups are set, and the excitement continues to build. In the Naismith Quadrant, Marian and Providence will battle for a spot in the semifinals, while Dakota State and Carroll will clash in the Cramer Quadrant.

With the tournament’s unpredictable nature already on full display, fans can expect even more drama and surprises as the remaining teams fight for the coveted NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship.