GVSU women's basketball clinches spot in National Championship game

A big fourth quarter helped the GVSU women's basketball team win its Final Four matchup against the Pittsburg State Gorillas after the game was virtually tied through the first three quarters of action. 

The Lakers' 68-61 victory over the Gorillas advanced the team to the Division II National Championship against the California State-Dominguez Hills Toros on Friday at 7 p.m..

The Division II Tournament Championship game can be watched on ESPN+ with a subscription or by tuning in to 106.1 FM/1340 AM on the radio.

The Toros finished their regular season with a 36-1 record, including a California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship. California State-Dominguez Hills entered the tournament as a three seed, winning the West Regionals of the tournament in Carson, Calif. In the Elite Eight, the Toros defeated Coker University before winning against Union University in a Final Four matchup to advance to the championship game.

The Lakers' victory over Pittsburg State brings the team’s season record to 37-2. GVSU won the GLIAC Tournament, defeating Ferris State in that tournament’s championship game. The Lakers’ strong season secured the team a one seed in the Division II tournament where they would win the Midwest Regional at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena before heading to Pittsburgh for the Elite Eight.

After defeating Gannon University 60-32 in the team's Elite Eight matchup, the Lakers took on four fourth-seeded Pittsburg State at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh.

Junior Nicole Kamin led the way for the Lakers, scoring a team-high 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Senior Rylie Bisballe was second on the team in scoring with 17 points.

The Lakers were active on defense, tallying a total of 18 steals against the Gorillas. Seven Lakers recorded a steal with five having multiple takeaways. Kamin played a key role in the Lakers' defense, with seven steals and a block in the contest.