UAH Women’s Basketball Reaches Sweet 16, to Face Eckerd in Regional Championship | UAH Chargers
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) women’s basketball team etched its name into the program’s history books Saturday night, securing a thrilling 73-70 victory over Nova Southeastern to advance to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 for the first time ever. The win, played before a spirited crowd at SportsMED Arena in Spragins Hall, was a testament to the Chargers’ resilience and balanced attack.
UAH controlled the tempo throughout much of the contest, but Nova Southeastern, known for its aggressive style, refused to yield. The Sharks relentlessly pressured the Chargers, employing a full-court press that tested UAH’s ball-handling and decision-making. Despite the constant pressure, the Chargers maintained their composure and consistently found ways to answer.
Leading the charge for UAH was Lili Wilken, who delivered a dominant performance with 21 points and eight rebounds. Though, the victory was far from a one-player show. Several Chargers stepped up with crucial contributions, demonstrating the team’s depth and collective determination.
When Wilken found herself in foul trouble, Ivey Maddox provided an immediate spark off the bench. Maddox finished with 17 points, connecting on five three-pointers that proved vital in stretching UAH’s lead and countering Nova Southeastern’s defensive intensity. Her long-range shooting forced the Sharks to adjust their defensive strategy, opening up opportunities for other Chargers to attack the basket.
Millie Brown likewise played a significant role, contributing 13 points, including a clutch pair of free throws with 58 seconds remaining. Those free throws extended UAH’s lead to 71-66, providing a crucial cushion down the stretch. Brown’s poise under pressure was a key factor in the Chargers’ ability to close out the game.
Nova Southeastern refused to go quietly, mounting a late rally that narrowed the deficit to a single point. However, Paris Opelt sealed the victory with two clutch free throws in the final seconds, securing the 73-70 win. With just seven seconds on the clock and the score at 71-70, Opelt calmly stepped to the line and delivered, sending the UAH faithful into a frenzy.
The victory held added significance for UAH, marking their first-ever win against Nova Southeastern and avenging last season’s NCAA Tournament loss, where the Sharks eliminated the Chargers in the opening round. This win wasn’t just about advancing in the tournament. it was about overcoming a recent hurdle and proving the program’s growth.
Even as the scoring contributions were essential, UAH’s success was also built on a strong defensive foundation. McKenzie Percoski, despite not scoring any points, played a pivotal role in limiting Nova Southeastern’s effectiveness in the post. Her physical play and relentless effort disrupted the Sharks’ offensive flow and forced them to adjust their game plan.
Head coach Allen Sharpe, along with Wilken and Brown, specifically praised Percoski’s defensive performance as a key factor in the Chargers’ ability to maintain their lead and secure the historic victory. Sharpe emphasized the importance of Percoski’s unsung contributions, highlighting her impact on the game beyond the stat sheet.
The Chargers now advance to the NCAA Division II South Regional Championship game, where they will face Eckerd College. Eckerd pulled off a significant upset earlier Saturday evening, defeating Union 65-38, holding their opponent to a mere 20 percent shooting performance from the field. The dominant defensive showing suggests Eckerd will present a formidable challenge for UAH.
The regional championship game is scheduled for at 7 p.m. At SportsMED Arena in Spragins Hall. The winner will earn a coveted spot in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, continuing their pursuit of a national championship. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the Chargers gaze to continue their historic run and bring home a regional title.