After getting its first NCAA tournament win since 1988, the run for the UW-La Crosse women’s basketball team came to an end in Round 2.
A free throw in the final two seconds gave No. 16 UW-Whitewater the 50-49 win at home over the Eagles in the Division III tournament.
The Eagles (17-12) did get the ball back with .3 seconds, after a referee review of the second missed free throw that went out of bounds off the top of the backboard.
UW-L called timeout to advance the ball to halfcourt. The Eagles tried a lob to the rim but it was tipped away by a UW-W defender.
The Eagles were coming off somewhat of an upset win over Colorado College the night before, 79-52. Colorado (23-4) was ranked just outside the Top 25.
In Saturday’s loss to the Warhawks (24-6), Katie Hildebrandt was the hero, getting fouled with 2 seconds left, before hitting the first free throw, essentially for the win, and missing the second.
UW-L had a 49-47 lead with 1:05 remaining after a Malia Nelson layup, but Hildebrandt tied it with 33 seconds to go.
The Eagles ran the clock down to 8 seconds, before missing a 3-pointer for the lead.
The Warhawks got the rebound, called timeout and the ensuing play went to Hildebrandt for the drive and foul.
TOP PHOTO: The UW-La Crosse women’s basketball team huddles during the NCAA second round tournament game at UW-Whitewater on March 8, 2025 (PHOTO: UWL Athletics)