Editor's note: This article was updated to correct the name of the tournament from Elite 8 to Great 8. The Spectrum apologizes for this error.
On Sunday afternoon, women’s basketball (28-7, 13-5 MAC) continued their win streak, defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (13-20, 2-15 B1G) 71-64 to signal a move onto the Fab 4 round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT).
The Bulls kicked off the WNIT by receiving a bye for the first round. Play opened in Round Two with a home win against the University of Massachusetts Minutewomen (17-15, 11-7 A-10) to advance to the Super 16, where the Bulls faced the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles (23-13, 12-8 OVC) at Liberty Arena. They brought home yet another win, moving on to the Great 8.
The game, hosted in Alumni Arena, marked an impressive showing from key players including fifth year guard Chella Watson, sophomore guard Kirsten Lewis-Williams, and senior guard Terah Harness, who all put up double-digit performances of 28, 17 and 10, respectively.
The game kicked off with the Scarlet Knights putting the first points on the board. This was quickly combated with two free throws from fifth year guard Chella Watson to tie the game. The Scarlet Knights got off with a good start, but the Bulls answered, putting up as many as possible to close the score. The lead continued to switch before Watson took shots to make it close, leaving the Bulls trailing 20-17 at the end of the first quarter.
The Scarlet Knights came out hot on a 7-0 run to start the second quarter, giving them a lead large enough for them to stay with. While the Bulls did their best to close the gap, Rutgers was still leading 34-27 to end the half.
When the third quarter opened, the Bulls came out ready to make a comeback. Lewis-Williams put up four points in less than two minutes, leaving the Scarlet Knights only leading by two. Rutgers answered by expanding their lead to seven before Harness knocked down a corner three right before the media timeout. With under two minutes left, Harness hit a second corner three to help cut their lead. Rutgers answered with a layup, but only led by three, closing the quarter 45-42.
The fourth quarter started with a jumper from Watson, cutting the lead to one. Shortly after the court saw another three from Harness, who brought the Bulls the lead they would use to win. The Bulls brought out very strong defense, forcing turnovers and turning them into points. After a series of free throws, the Bulls closed the game with a 71-64 win.
The Bulls are unsure of who they will next take on in the Fab Four round of the WNIT. The game will take place on April 2 at Alumni Arena.
Izabella Ducato is the assistant sports editor and can be reached at izabella.ducato@ubspectrum.com
