INDIANAPOLIS — Jessica Madison’s four 3-pointers weren’t enough for Alaska-Anchorage in its 78-73 loss to Lubbock Christian in the NCAA Division II women’s basketball championship game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Monday.
Madison, a 2011 graduate of Port Angeles High School, made 4 of 7 shots from 3-point range. The senior guard made 5 of 9 shots overall and was one of two Seawolves in double figures with 14 points.
Alaska-Anchorage (38-3) was led by Megan Mullings’ 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Madison and Mullings were selected for the all-tournament team.
Lubbock Christian grabbed an early lead that the Seawolves could never make up. They got within three or four points several times, but each time the Chaparrals scored to keep Alaska-Anchorage at bay.
The Seawolves made their final run late in the fourth quarter.
They trailed 71-57 with 4:55 left, then forced three turnovers and knocked down two 3-pointers to get within 73-69 with 1:16 to go.
But Nicole Hampton, who nearly had a triple-double and wasn’t far from a quadruple-double, hit a jumper to all but seal the win for the Chaparrals.
Alaska-Anchorage fell into foul trouble early and trailed 18-13 after one period and 40-32 at half.
For the game, 25 fouls were called on the Seawolves compared to 11 on the Chaparrals. That helped Lubbock make 19 of 26 free throws to 7 of 13 for Alaska-Anchorage.
The Seawolves also struggled to take care of the ball, committing 24 turnovers.
Kelsey Hoppel scored 27 points and Hampton talllied 22 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and seven steals for Lubbock Christian, which claimed its first national championship.
The Lady (35-0) became the second team in three years and the third in Division II history to complete a perfect season.
Alaska-Anchorage’s 38 victories this season are the most by a women’s basketball team in Division II history.
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Associated Press sportswriter Michael Marot contributed to this report.
