Box Score

California, Pa. - Throughout the last decade, California (Pa.) was nothing but a roadblock  to Millersville's postseason success. But on Saturday night in Hamer Hall, led by double-doubles from Raquel Green and Mashira Newman,  the Marauders rolled past the 25th-ranked Vulcans 74-63 and into the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region championship game for the first time since 2000.

Seven times in the last eight years, California defeated Millersville either in the PSAC or NCAA Tournament. Millersville's win Saturday, however, was its second of the season over the nationally-ranked Vulcans in Hamer Hall, and also the team's 25th of the season, tying the school record for wins in a season previously set by the 2000 squad. Millersville is now one of only 16 teams remaining in the national tournament.

“It's fun,” said coach Mary Fleig. “I knew this team was just as special as (the 200 team). I thought then that it was a once in a lifetime experience and to have it happen again is making me tear up. This is a great group of kids, just like that group 10 years ago.”

Millersville, the region's No. 6 seed certainly did not play like the underdog, knocking off the No. 3 seed Friday and the No. 2 seed Saturday. The Marauders will travel to Erie, Pa., and play the nation's No. 1-ranked team Gannon Monday with a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight on the line.

“We took (the seeding) for what it was,” said Green. “We came out here and had to prove we were the higher seed. We did what we do best and that's play defense. We have to focus on ourselves and not worry about what other teams do. This means everything to us. We worked hard and deserve to be here.”

Millersville held Cal to its fewest points since the 52 the Vulcans managed against the Marauders on Jan. 3. The defense, ranked second nationally has been a constant all season. What made the difference Saturday was a balanced scoring effort led by Aiesha Bellamy, who totaled 16 off of the bench.

Bellamy, a graduate student, has been outstanding in the NCAA Tournament after an up-and-down season in which she averaged just 4.1 points per game. In Friday's opening round game, she scored nine, and followed that with three field goals and 10-of-11 shooting from the field against Cal.

Green recorded her fourth double-double in her last eight games with 14 points and 15 rebounds. With four blocks in the game, including three in the first half, her defensive play set the tone early.

“Raq came out tonight and wanted it,” said Fleig. “She struggled last night. To see her bounce back and have that will, it just shows that she focused herself and its all about her heart and ability. To have that many rebounds and to do it in a game like this is a testament to her desire.”

Newman completed her second career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and despite struggling from the floor (6-of-16), she drilled two key 3-pointers in the first half. Senior Jenna Craig also turned in another gritty performance with eight points and seven rebounds.

It was that perfect blend of senior leadership and youthful talent that guided the Marauders to an early lead but more importantly, helped them hold off a Vulcans comeback charge in the second half.

“When they came out and attacked us like a ball of fire, these girls did a great job reading and recognizing plays and keeping their composure,” said Fleig. “On the road, coming into this gym, supposedly being the sixth-ranked team, we took that to offense and handled that well.”

Millersville imposed its will on the Vulcans early, forcing 12 first half turnovers and holding the home team to 6-of-25 shooting, building a 28-20 halftime advantage. Cal, led by PSAC West Player of the Year Brooque Williams battled back, though.

The Vulcans outscored the Marauders 14-6 over the first five minutes of the second period, knotting the game at 34. After swapping the lead, the Vulcans moved in front 45-40 with a 6-0 run.

With the Marauders scuffling, redshirt freshman Aurielle Mosley scored one of the biggest buckets of the game, grabbing an offensive rebound off a missed free throw and hit the put-back to end Cal's run. Newman then swiped the ball and found Craig for a lay-up, cutting deficit to one. After a Vulcan hoop, Newman scored four-straight points to give Millersville a 48-46 lead with 8:26 left.

Cal pulled ahead once more at the 7:48 mark on a Williams lay-up, but 24 seconds later, senior Ashley Moyer drilled a 3-pointer, giving Millersville the lead for good. Moyer's trey jumpstarted a 12-2 Millersville run that put California comfortably out of reach.

Williams led all scorers with 22 points, and Kayla Smith added 12 points and 13 boards for the 24-8 Vulcans.

Fans interested in attending the regional championship game at Gannon can purchase tickets at the Hamermill Center on game day. Fans that cannot make the trip can tune in the action on MSBN. Click here to view Gannon's NCAA Atlantic Region web site. View the NCAA Tournament bracket here.