Taylor Hodges, Sports Information Director

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Lady Lions (33-2) came away with a statement win after knocking off Lindsey Wilson (23-11) 61-43 in the second round of the NAIA National Tournament on Friday, advancing them to the quarterfinals on Saturday.

The Lady Lions jumped out to a quick lead in the first quarter, highlighted by an incredible four-point play by Reagen Floyd, who knocked down the deep 3-point shot while getting fouled and converted the free throw.

Chynia Brooks ran the show in the first half for the No. 1 overall seed; distributing, scoring and stealing the basketball, padding her team's lead.

Haylee Croom got in early foul trouble in the first half, exiting the game a little over midway through the second quarter after committing her third personal.

Despite not having their strong post presence to close out the first half, the Lady Lions were able to take an 11-point lead into the locker room.

The Blue Raiders came out and scored four quick points to open the second half, but Freed-Hardeman quickly answered and never really let the No. 5 seed get close to their lead. The Lady Lions led by 18 heading into the fourth quarter.

Croom was able to avoid committing a foul in the second half, where she came on very strong. She ended up with her second double-double of the tournament with 14 points and 13 rebounds, despite Lindsey Wilson smothering her in the paint.

The Lady Lions were very strong on the defensive side of the ball, forcing Lindsey Wilson to turn the ball over 14 times, which led to 24 points on the other end. They also held the Blue Raiders to just 32 percent shooting.

Carrie Hatchel followed Croom with 12 points, and Brooks and Floyd each finished with 11.

Jamie Crum came off the bench to hit three 3-pointers for nine points.

The Lady Lions will take on the winner of LSU-Alexandria and Lewis-Clark State in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 3 p.m. Central time.