Hope (24-5) had its 2017 NCAA Division III Tournament run halted Friday with their 79-74 loss to Christopher Newport in the Sectional Semifinal round of the national championship.
The Flying Dutch led by as much as 11 in the second quarter, but Christopher Newport (28-2) answered with a 32-13 rally in the third period to own a 63-50 margin heading into the final stanza. Hope battled back, holding Christopher Newport to 31 percent shooting in the final quarter while firing 52.9 percent, tying the game at 72-72 with just under two minutes remaining.
Christopher Newport answered with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession and never looked back to advance to the Sectional Final round at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio.
Tyra Smith led Hope with 17 points, while Francesca Buchanan tallied 12 points. Victoria Swift came off the bench for eight points with a team-high seven rebounds.
Tournament links
NCAA Division III Women's Basketball page
NCAA Division III Women's Basketball announcement
2017 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball interactive bracket
