Round of 8 For The Jaguars! GovState beats #3 Campbellsville 59-52 To Advance at NAIA Nationals

GovState started strong, trailing by just one point at the end of the first quarter, 15-14. They quickly gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Campbellsville 15-12 to take a narrow lead into halftime. The third quarter saw Governors State maintaining their edge, scoring 14 points against Campbellsville's 12. Despite a valiant effort from the Tigers in the fourth, Governors State sealed the victory with a 16-point quarter and hitting free throws to seal the Round of 16 victory.

Cencere McDaniel was a standout performer for the Jaguars, contributing 18 points, 7 rebounds with an impressive shooting accuracy of 60% from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Kalvina Eubanks and Tabetha Jones also made significant contributions, each adding 11 points to the scoreboard. Eubanks had a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds. Da'Naria Washington scored 10 points, had 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. Team season-scoring leader Zareia Chevre contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

Locked in GSU defense, limited Campbellsville to 27.9% from the field and 23.8% from three-point range. Whitney Hay led Campbellsville with 16 points, while Lauren Lee added 14.

Rebounding and defense were key factors in the game, with Campbellsville securing 41 total rebounds to Governors State's 38. Governors State's efficient shooting, particularly from the free-throw line, where they shot 80%, proved decisive for the winners (9th straight win for GovState).

Both teams displayed strong defensive efforts, with Governors State recording nine steals and six blocks, while Campbellsville tallied 18 steals. 

The Jaguars improve to 29-5 and will make their first-ever quarterfinal appearance on Saturday, March 21, at 8 P.M. CT. They will face the winner of Briar Cliff (Iowa) and Mid-America Christian (Okla.).