Eagles will play for fifth place Saturday in women’s basketball national tournament

Kirkwood advanced to the fifth-place game with a 50-45 victory over fellow Region XI opponent Iowa Central Friday afternoon at the NJCAA National Tournament in Hickory, NC.

The Eagles, who improved to 23-2 with the victory, saw their offense struggled to carry over a little from the previous day in the first half, however, they still managed to take a 22-17 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Kirkwood extended their lead to as much as nine points at 34-25 midway through the third quarter, however, Iowa Central closed the quarter on a 9-1 run to trail 35-34 heading into the final quarter of play.

After a free throw by Iowa Central to tie the game at 35-35 early in the fourth quarter, a layup by sophomore Kemara Watson gave the Eagles the lead, which they never relinquished.

Kirkwood finished with just one player in double figures in sophomore Ashley Tull, who accounted for 13 points and eight rebounds.  Watson added six points and a career-high 13 rebounds, while freshmen Naya Haymon and Dominique Rodriquez both added six points apiece.

Kirkwood will conclude their 2020-21 season when they take on USC Salkehatchie Saturday afternoon at 2:00 pm (EST) in the fifth-place game.