GORHAM, Maine - Nearly two decades in the making, the University of Southern Maine Huskies are back on one of the biggest stages in Division III basketball.
For the first time since 2007, Southern Maine has reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament. After a dominant 27–2 season, the Huskies have powered through the opening rounds and now sit one win away from the Elite Eight.
Southern Maine will take on the Wisconsin–La Crosse Eagles on Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. The game will be hosted by New York University and will also be streamed on the NCAA website. The winner advances to the Elite Eight.
Southern Maine's Run
The Huskies have built their season around one of the most productive offenses in the region. Southern Maine has scored 2,151 points this year, averaging 74.2 points per game.
Leading the charge is Little East Conference Player of the Year Jaycie Christopher (Skowhegan, Maine). The senior has been the centerpiece of the Huskies' attack, scoring a team-leading 558 points while averaging 19.2 points per game. Christopher also leads the team in rebounds (260) and assists (105), showcasing her all-around impact.
Sophomore Lucy Wiles (Glenburn, Maine / Hampden Academy), the 2024–25 Little East Conference Rookie of the Year and first team All-Little East Conference selection this season, has emerged as another major scoring threat. Wiles has recorded 487 points this season and is averaging 16.8 points per game.
Senior transfer Avah Ingalls (Hampstead, N.H. / Pinkerton Academy) has also played a key role in the Huskies' success. Ingalls has contributed 216 points and leads the team on the boards with 64 offensive rebounds and 69 defensive rebounds.
Southern Maine's depth has been a major strength throughout the season. Six players have scored more than 100 points, including all five starters and freshman Izzy Morelli (New Gloucester, Maine / Gray-New Gloucester).
The Huskies have carried that balance into the NCAA Tournament. Southern Maine defeated Johnson & Wales University 62–46 in the first round before earning a hard-fought 67–59 win over Bowdoin College in the second round. Through two tournament games, the Huskies have outscored opponents 129–105.
Southern Maine also brings significant postseason experience into the match-up. The program is making its 27th appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament and reached the national championship game in 2006.
Southern Maine Team Information
- Record: 27–2 (15–1 Little East Conference)
- 2026 Little East Regular Season and Tournament Champions
- Head Coach: David Chadbourne, Third Season (58–25)
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 27 (Last 2013)
- All-Time NCAA Tournament Record: 46–24
Scouting Wisconsin–La Crosse
Wisconsin–La Crosse enters the Sweet 16 with a 20–9 record after capturing the WIAC Tournament Championship with a 52–49 victory.
The Eagles have carried that momentum into the NCAA Tournament, outscoring opponents 158–112 in the first two rounds.
Grace Knupp leads Wisconsin–La Crosse offensively with 298 points this season, while Molly Janke sits close behind with 292 points and leads the team in rebounding at 7.8 rebounds per game.
After falling in the second round last season, the Eagles have taken a major step forward this year. Wisconsin–La Crosse has advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.
Wisconsin–La Crosse Team Information
- Record: 20–9 (9–5 WIAC)
- WIAC Tournament Champions
- Head Coach: Moran Lonning, Third Season (30–26)
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 7 (Last 2025)
- All-Time NCAA Tournament Record: 5–5
What's at Stake
Two teams. One spot in the Elite Eight.
Southern Maine and Wisconsin–La Crosse will meet Friday night with their seasons—and championship dreams—on the line. It will mark the first meeting between the two schools.
The winner will advance to the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 5 p.m. at New York University and will face the winner of Hardin-Simmons and New York University. Should the Huskies' advance and face NYU it would be the first meeting between both programs, while Southern Maine has faced Hardin-Simmons one time in the 2006 NCAA Final Four, earning a 74-65 win.
For the Huskies, it's an opportunity to continue a historic run—and move one step closer to a national title.
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