(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) – After clinching the MIAA regular season title outright against Missouri Southern with a game to spare, Jennies basketball took care of business in their season finale at Pittsburg State winning 60-56.
The Jennies will now turn their attention to the MIAA tournament this weekend March 1-4 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. Winning it all will give the Jens a chance to overtake the top spot of the central region in the NCAA’s regional rankings where they are currently second. Taking the top spot in their region gives the Jennies home-court advantage through the regional games of the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Dave Slifer said the goal is to keep winning and hopefully host NCAA Tournament games on the UCM campus
“We want to host a regional and for that to happen, we have to keep winning,” Slifer said after earning the title last Thursday.
Slifer said he was full of excitement when he finished cutting down the nets against Missouri Southern, and is looking forward to an exciting conference tournament.
“Anytime you have a net in your hands, it’s a good feeling,” Slifer said. “We now know we play Thursday 6 p.m. at Municipal and we’d love to see a big crowd out there. It’s the best conference tournament in Division II and I’d love to get a good crowd.”
All five Jennies starters were named to the All-MIAA team. Guard Paige Redmond was named conference Player of the Year and First Team All-MIAA. Forward Kayonna Lee was chosen as Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive Team. Guard Morgan Fleming made the Second Team in her sophomore season. Guard Kelsey Williams and forward Megan Skaggs were honorable mentions.
During the Pitt State game, Skaggs went for a game-high 16 and put on a clinic from long range going 4-6. Redmond scored 13 while adding six rebounds and five assists, she has scored in double figures for 18 consecutive games.
Clinching the conference championship also gave the Jennies the number one seed and a first-round bye in the MIAA tournament. The Jens will play their first game Thursday against the Lindenwood Lions, who won their first tournament game over Missouri Southern Monday night. The game will be played at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Tickets for the MIAA Tournament can be purchased through the UCM Athletic Ticket Office, Ticketmaster or the Municipal Auditorium box office.