By Scott Barker, Communications and Sports Information Intern

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – (Box Score | Bracket) Defending national runner-up and No. 2-seed Campbellsville (Ky.) returns to the quarterfinals for the third-straight season after defeating No. 3-seed The Master’s (Calif.), 62-55, Friday morning at the 2016 NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship.

“Our team has so much heart and you don’t count these kids out,” said Campbellsville head coach Ginger Colvin “Our bench is so into it and so into the scouting report, they are talking to the kids and they are helping and it’s just a great team effort. I’m just so proud of them and so proud of what they have accomplished.”

The first half was back-and-forth as the two teams combined for five ties and 11 lead changes. The Master’s (25-6) held the largest lead at four (13-9) after a Megan Lindsley free throw with 4:02 left in the period. The Tigers (27-7) ended the quarter on a 6-0 run and led 15-13 at the first intermission.

The Mustangs ended the second quarter on a 9-3 run, capped by a Chayan Lowery free throw to take a team-high seven-point advantage (30-23) at the break. The Master’s outscored Campbellsville 17-8 in the second period.

The Tigers started the third quarter off on a 9-2 run to regain the lead, 33-32, with 6:20 left in the period. From that point on, the Tigers never trailed. Campbellsville used a big third quarter to get back in the game. The Tigers outscored the Mustangs 19-11 and lead by one (42-41) heading into the final quarter.

Campbellsville was in control in the final stanza, as The Master’s was never able to get closer than three points.

Lindsey Burd recorded her 12th double-double on the season with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Burd also added five assists and three steals for the Tigers in one of the most impressive individual single-game performances of the championship this year. The senior forward has scored 14-or-more points in 11 of the last 12 games. Her rebound total are tied with Alayah Cooper-Johnson of Central Methodist (Mo.) and Macy Wallisch of Baker (Kan.) for second-most in a single-game at this year’s championship.

Emily Fox joined Burd in double figures with 15 points, while LeeAnn Grider added nine points and eight assists.

The Mustangs were led in scoring by Chayan Lowery’s 15 points and 11 rebounds – her fifth double-double of the season. Lowery was a catalysis in the paint on defense, as she recorded six blocks. Megan Lindsley (14 points) was the only other Mustang in double figures. Bianca Cuebello, teams leading scorer – averaging 13.8 points per game – was held to six points. This is only seventh-time this season she failed to score in double digits.

Campbellsville was able to advance despite shooting 32.9 percent compared to The Master’s 45.2 percent. The Tigers had 17 assists on 23 made baskets and forced 23 Mustang turnovers.

The Tigers will play at 2 p.m. CDT Saturday against No. 1-seed Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) or No. 5-seed Benedictine (Kan.).