Petersburg, VA - Top seeded Johnson & Wales Charlotte defeated #8 Southern Maine Community College 62-37 in the quarterfinal round of the USCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championships on Monday evening.

Johnson & Wales used a suffocating defensive effort in holding Central Maine more than 30 points below their season average as the Seawolves shot just 23.8% from the field. The Wildcats forced 24 turnovers, including 13 steals.

JWU built an eleven point lead midway through the second quarter on the strength of 8 first half points from Gabby Tapley. SMCC responded with an 8-0 run to close the half, trimming their deficit to just 3 points at the break. 

The third ten minutes proved to be pivotal, as the Wildcats outscored the Seawolves 17-7. JWU then pulled away in the fourth quarter, making 9 of their 16 shots, including 2 of 4 attempts from three point range.

Aimee Evans led the Wildcats with 13 points, while Korletta Daniels added 10. Samara Britt also scored 10 points to go along with 8 rebounds. Jordan Durant had a game high 11 rebounds and 8 assists. 

JWU advances to tonight's semi-final round where they will take on #4 Cincinnati-Clermont at 6:00pm.