Lubbock Christian University beats Alaska-Anchorage 78-73 for DII championship

INDIANAPOLIS — Lubbock Christian University defeated Alaska-Anchorage 78-73 Monday afternoon in the NCAA Division II National Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The contest marked the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

The Lady Chaps, the No. 1 overall seed, completed a fairytale season finishing a perfect 35-0 in their first year of season of eligibility in transitioning from the ranks of the NAIA to NCAA DII full membership.

Kelsey Hoppel led LCU with 27 points while Nicole Hampton flirted with a quadruple-double in racking up 22 points, 13 rebounds, nine asists and seven stealds. Haley Fowler was also in double figures with 15 points.

LCU became only the become the third team ever to go undefeated in claiming a NCAA Division II Championship. Only North Dakota State (32-0 in 1995) and Bentley (35-0 in 2014) have completed the task.

No. 2-seeded UAA ended the season 38-3. Megan Mullings paced UAA with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Jessica Madison contributed 14 points.