Casper, Wyo. — In a true clash of styles, it was the nation’s top defense that prevailed over the nation’s top offense.
No. 10 seed Eastern Arizona College knocked off No. 2 Wabash Valley College 64–59 on Saturday afternoon at the Ford Wyoming Center, punching its ticket to the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four for the second year in a row.
Eastern (28–6) entered the tournament as the country’s most stingy defensive unit, and they delivered on that reputation by holding high-powered Wabash — which averaged 95.6 points per game — to a season-low 59 on just 28.3% shooting.
The Gila Monsters overcame the second-quarter ejection of standout guard Sarah Deng, who was tossed for leaving the bench during a brief on-court altercation. Without her, Eastern relied on its depth, rebounding, and defensive discipline to get the job done.
Ashlynn Chlarson anchored the effort with 19 points and 16 rebounds, bullying Wabash in the paint and going 9-of-13 from the free throw line. Danaeja Romero added 12 points off the bench, including a go-ahead three in the final seconds of the second quarter that gave Eastern a 29–27 halftime lead.
Eastern exploded for 25 points in the third quarter — their highest-scoring frame of the game — to build a cushion they never relinquished. Lucia Auza added 8 points and 11 rebounds, including six clutch free throws down the stretch.
The Gila Monsters out-rebounded Wabash 49–28 and outscored them at the free throw line 21–19, despite Wabash getting more attempts.
Wabash (31–3), who came in riding an 18-game winning streak, was led by Beautiful Waheed’s 17 points, but star guard Shamya Reid struggled, finishing 1-for-16 from the field. The Warriors made just 6 of 21 three-point attempts and shot only 57.6% from the foul line.
Eastern Arizona now advances to Monday’s semifinal (6:15 p.m. Arizona time), where they’ll face the winner of No. 3 Northwest Florida State and No. 6 Three Rivers.
