NAIA National Tournament Final Four

No. 5 HUSSON vs. No. 1 NORTHERN MONTANA

Time, site: Monday, 9 p.m. EST, Monmouth, Ore.

Records: Husson 28-2, Northern Montana 30-3

Key players: Husson – G Kristi Wildman (15.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg), G Vicki Mazerall (15.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg), G Darci Collins 10.7 ppg, 4.3 apg), C Tara Leavitt (10.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg), F Steph Shaw (8.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg); Northern Montana – C Kristin Lawrence (12.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg), G Kari Fike (12.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg), G Sheila Asmus (10.3 ppg), G Kim Fike (8.0 ppg), F Kristi Kincaid (9.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg).

Outlook: Call this one USA vs. USSR Olympic Hockey, circa 1980, women’s basketball-style. Husson, a major underdog, believes in miracles, however. Northern Montana is No. 1 in the country and winners of 18 straight. The Skylights are bigger, faster, and deeper than any team Husson has ever played. Braves say they will go out, have fun, and give it their all. Collins (17 assists in tournament), Mazerall, and Wildman will have to score from the outside to open up game for Leavitt and Shaw inside.

Other semifinal: No. 3 Northern State (28-4) vs. No. 10 Tarleton State (21-12)