GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. – The Neumann University women's basketball team defeated Gwynedd Mercy University 73-64 on Wednesday evening in a Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) semifinal contest to advance to the CSAC Championship game on Saturday.
 
Nafisa Saunders netted 27 points to lead the Knights. Shauntel Williams added 15 points. Kristen Denoncour grabbed 10 rebounds and netted nine points.
 
The teams stayed within five points of one another in the first quarter. The Griffins held a 15-12 lead after the first 10 minutes.
 
The Knights took a 19-18 advantage on a layup by Minika Glenn midway through the second quarter. That basket started a 12-0 run Neumann as it took a 29-20 lead with three minutes left before halftime. The Knights run continued and they finished the half on a 7-2 run for a 36-22 lead at the break.
 
The Griffins chipped their way back into the game and a minute before the end of the third quarter tied the score at 45. A jumper by Lauren Legler before the buzzer gave the Knights a 49-47 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
 
The Knights opened the final quarter on an 8-2 run for a 57-49 advantage. With under two minutes left in regulation, the difference was just three points, 64-61 Neumann. Back-to-back baskets by Williams and Saunders put the Knights back up by seven. The Griffins hit a three-pointer with 36 seconds on the clock, but Saunders responded right back with a layup. Saunders went 3-for-4 from the line in the final 10 seconds to seal the win and sent Neumann to the Championship game.
 
Neumann (20-7) will face Cabrini for the CSAC Championship on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 4:00 PM. The men will also face the Cavaliers, beginning at 7:00 PM.