Master’s Is Taken Out by Dillard

Physical play and Dillard University’s tough defense ended The Master’s College season, 67-55, Wednesday night at the NAIA Division I women’s basketball tournament.

Master’s, seeded No. 4, is the second-highest seeded team ever to lose in the first round of the tournament.

Unseeded Dillard (21-8) of New Orleans forced 26 turnovers and held Master’s (26-3) to 30% shooting in the second half.

“Foul trouble really hurt us and I saw all day that the refs were letting people play,” Master’s Coach Ken Sugarman said. “It was our worst shooting night of the year, and it’s really disappointing. But we had a great season. It’s just sad to see it end like this.”

Erin Buescher, the senior forward who transferred this season from UC Santa Barbara, was smothered by Dillard. She had four points in the first half and finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and one assist.

She was averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and four steals.

Master’s led, 33-30, at halftime, after making 53.8% of its shots compared to Dillard’s 40%.

The difference was at the free-throw line, where the Devilettes made nine of 13. Master’s was four of eight in the half.

Dillard never trailed after taking a 51-50 lead on a shot by Jessica Brown with 8:06 left.

The Devilettes went ahead, 61-51, and Master’s never got closer than six.

Jennifer Bennett scored 11 points for Master’s and Jorden Whittington had 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Mustangs made 41.1% for the game but made only five of 12 free throws, compared to Dillard’s 19 of 30.

Kia Johnson had 23 points for Dillard.