The Emory University Women's Basketball team went wire-to-wire with No.-5 ranked Trine University but was unable to pull off the upset, falling in the first round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship on Friday, 57-54, at Thomas More College in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.
With the Eagles trailing 55-52, junior Erin Lindahl could not get off a better looking shot, launching the game-tying attempt from the top of the arc with 10 seconds remaining in regulation. Her shot banked off the backboard and rolled around the rim before falling out into the arms of a Trine defender.
After trading free throws and layups within the closing seconds, Lindahl was again able to put up another three point attempt to try and tie the game at the buzzer but her second attempt sailed long, sealing the three-point win for the Thunder.
Emory put up a terrific fight in their first NCAA game since the 2012-13 season, holding the lead in the contest from the opening tipoff up until shortly under four minutes to play in the third quarter and were in front by as many as eight in the first half. The Eagles now fall to 6-4 all-time in postseason play.
Senior Ashley Oldshue led both teams in scoring and rebounding, posting game-highs of 24 points and 12 rebounds in her final game as an Eagle. It was her team-leading eighth double-double of the season.
Lindahl chipped in with nine points and five rebounds while senior Azzairia Jackson-Sherrod grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds to go along with four points. Junior Allison Chernow chipped in with eight points and a team-high three assists.
Brandi Dawson and Cassidy Williams combined for 40 points for the Thunder with Dawson going for 22 points and Williams checking in with 18. Both players collected a team-high six rebounds.
Trine now advances to the second round to face No.-1 Thomas More on Saturday evening at 6:30 PM.
The Eagles close out their tremendous season under second-year Head Coach Misha Jackson with a 19-7 overall record, the most wins in a season since the 2012-13 campaign.
Post Game Interview with Misha Jackson, Ashley Oldshue and Erin Lindahl