Northwestern beaten, JC opponents in title game

There will be a new NAIA Division II national champion for the first time in four years.

Northwestern College of Iowa was beaten by Davenport (Mich.) 74-68 Monday night in the Final Four at Sioux City, Iowa.

The Red Raiders had won three straight national titles.

Karli Harris carried the load for Davenport with 26 points.

Davenport will meet Indiana-Wesleyan after the Wildcats nipped top-ranked Morningside 65-64, meaning no GPAC team will play in the title game.

On the men’s side No. 1 William Penn of Iowa advanced to Tuesday’s title game with a 79-58 win over Grace, Ind.

William Penn, many will remember, is the team the Jimmies nearly beat at the Civic Center Nov. 30. The Statesmen have just one loss in 35 games. They take on Cardinal Stritch tonight at 8 p.m.

Keith Steffeck led William Penn with 18 points. James Devlin added 17.

Cardinal Stritch, ranked No. 2, is the team that beat the JC men in the opening round of the tournament on Thursday. The Wolves beat Indiana Southeast 69-56 in the second semifinal Monday.

— Dave Selvig

Tags: sports, naia, basketball, jimmies