GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A last-second three-point shot by junior guard Jill Thomas propelled the Calvin women's basketball team into the NCAA III Tournament.  Thomas sank a three-pointer from the left wing as time expired to lift Calvin to a 67-65 victory over rival and second-ranked Hope in the MIAA Tournament Championship game Saturday afternoon at Van Noord Arena.

 

With the win, Calvin (24-4) gains an automatic bid to the NCAA III Tournament which is slated to start next weekend. Calvin led 32-23 at halftime and then built a 45-25 lead two-and-a-half minutes into the second half. Hope (26-2) came roaring back however to tie the game at 54-54 with 5:08 remaining and then took the lead at 60-59 with 3:29 remaining.

 

With a minute remaining, Calvin junior Courtney Kurncz swished a triple from the top of the key to give Calvin a 64-63 lead. A Calvin turnover allowed Hope to gain possession with 11 seconds remaining and the Flying Dutch converted on a layup with 10 seconds remaining by senior Erika Bruinsma that put Hope up 65-64.

 

Calvin then moved the ball up the floor with Kurncz whipping the ball to Thomas who connected on the three-ball to give Calvin the win.

 

Thomas finished the game with 11 points to go with five rebounds. Sophomore center Carissa Verkaik had a monster game for Calvin with 29 points, eight rebounds and five blocked shots. Kurncz added 12 points and five assists.

 

Hope was led in defeat by Carrie Snikkers with 22 points while Meredith Kussmaul had 14 points and Lauren Geers 10. Hope is likely to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA III Tournament next week with the tournament field set to be unveiled Monday afternoon.

 

Saturday's game marked the sixth time Calvin and Hope have met in the MIAA Tournament Championship game in women's basketball with Hope having won the five prior meetings.