Slow start, but Tommie women surge to playoff win

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Senior Lucia Renikoff sank four 3-pointers and closed with a game-high 18 points and the host and top-seeded Tommies used a 15-0 mid-game run en route to Thursday night's 64-39 win over fifth-seed Gustavus in MIAC women's basketball semifinal playoff action at Schoenecker Arena.

The No. 3-ranked Tommies (25-1), who ran their home-court win streak to 23, will host Saturday's 3 p.m. championship game against either second-seed Augsburg or third-seed Bethel.

Hannah Spaulding had 11 rebounds, six steals and four blocks, and Kaia Porter scored 12 of her 15 points in the second half. Kaylie Brazil added seven rebounds and four assists.

The Toms shot only 29 percent from the field in the first two quarters (9-of-31), then converted 64 percent over the final 20:00 (18-of-28). Coach Ruth Sinn's team had a 19-5 advantage in bench points, led by 12 from freshman center Brynne Rolland.

The Tommies trailed 20-15 with just under 6:00 left in the second quarter but closed the half on an 8-0 run for a 23-20 halftime lead. They outscored Gustavus 20-7 in the third period to take control.

Ava Gonsorowski had 14 points and Kendall Thompson finshed with 12 points and five steals for the Gusties (15-12).