Photo via Jimmie Athletics

HELENA, MT. (NewsDakota.com) – Hannah DeMars and Kia Tower combined for 43 points in the first round of the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament in a 73-68 win over IU-South Bend on Tuesday.

The Jimmies were off and running to start, leading 20-13 after the opening quarter. Jamestown took a two point lead into the break before growing the lead to 11 in the third quarter. The Jimmies held on late with free throws and a defensive stop to seal the victory.

DeMars finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Tower scored 19 points, connecting on all five of her three point attempts. Both DeMars and Tower also recorded three steals defensively.

Sarah Lenz had a great night off the bench offensively for the Jimmies, scoring 13 points and connecting on all four free throw attempts. UJ shot 40% from the field, 44% from three, and went 17-for-28 at the free throw line. IU-South Bend was held to 2-of-15 from deep in the game. It was the first NAIA tournament win since 2018.

UJ improves to 22-8 on the season and will face the 26-5 Carroll Chargers Wednesday night at 8:00 CT. The video stream is located HERE.