Basketball | 3/29/2024 10:00:00 AM

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (March 29, 2024) – The time is now. The day is here. Today, the Texas Woman's basketball team plays in the Division II National Championship game.

TWU (34-4) will meet Minnesota State, Mankato (31-5) in the final game of the 2023-24 season on Friday night in St. Joseph, Mo. at 7 p.m.

The Pioneers will play in their first national championship game in program history, while the Mavericks will play in their second national title game in program history, as they claimed the crown in 2009.

The season started with these two teams meeting in Montana at the Tipoff Classic hosted by Montana State – Billings on Nov. 4. Now, it will end with the two teams meeting on the big stage for the final dance of the 2024 NCAA National Tournament.

To advance to the championship game, the Pioneers were crowned the South Central Regional Champion. Then, TWU defeated the seven seed Daemen, 76-44, in the Elite Eight. In the Final Four, the Pioneers beat the three seed Ferris State, 68-52.

For the Mavericks to advance to the championship game, MSU defeated the four seed Georgia Southwestern in the Elite Eight, 93-88. Then, on Wednesday, they defeated the eight seed Cal State San Marcos on a last second layup, 70-68.

History will be made a champion will be crowned. It all happens tonight. 

CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT

• And then there were two. TWU will meet MSU at 7 p.m. on Friday night, if you are making the trip to St. Joseph, tickets can be purchased here.
• If you are traveling on the fan bus or making the drive, we can't wait to see you in St. Joseph! Wherever you are watching from, we appreciate your support! There will be a watch party on TWU's campus in the Bridges Auditorium.
• The game will be live streamed on CBS Sports Network, and you can follow along with live stats at ncaa.com.

HISTORY AWAITS

• THE FIRST MEETING: While the two teams met early in the season, they met as almost different teams, as MSU had players out and the teams have grown over the season. In their first meeting in Billings, TWU won the meeting 76-71. The contest went back-and-forth, with the Pioneers posting stronger second and fourth quarters to claim the win. Ashley Ingram scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Pioneers. TWU scored 38 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers and shot 41.7% from the free throw line. They held MSU to 38.2% from the field, but the Pioneers committed 23 turnovers in the game for 22 Mavericks points. TWU will look to protect the ball on Friday.
• PROTECT THE BALL: The Mavericks run a dynamic press. On Wednesday, they forced Cal State San Marcos to turn the ball over 27 times for 24 Maverick points. On the other hand, MSU only turned the ball over 12 times for nine points. TWU will look to protect the ball and force the Mavericks to turn it over to secure the win.
• CRASH THE GLASS: Cal State San Marcos had the overwhelming rebound advantage over the Mavericks but were unable to capitalize on the advantage. MSU was out-rebounded 46-35 in the game, with Cal State Sam Marcos grabbing 13 offensive boards for 16 second chances points. Rebounding the basketball and getting more looks at the basket will be key on Friday.