The Patriots came out firing in the second half, cutting the Saint Xavier lead to five at the 12:42 mark after going on an 11-4 run to open the second half. The Cougars were able to push the lead back to 11 by the 9:33 mark, thanks to six points by Erin Hannemann. SXU maintained its lead until the 3:03 mark in the second half when the Patriots went on a 13-5 run to close the game. It would not be enough as the Cougars held on to win 71-67.

Hanneman led the Cougars with 20 points, Kathlyn McClain scored 16 points and Marquita Smith added 10 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double.

Lauren Wombles led the Cumberlands with 21 points. Steph Quattrociocchi came off the bench to score 19 and Haley Ratliff added 11 points and eight assists before both players fouled out.

Saint Xavier will take on the winner of the game between Azusa Pacific (Calif.) and Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) at 8 p.m. CDT on March 20.

SXU improves to 31-1 on the season, while the Cumberlands ends its season at 26-9.