The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team advanced to the championship game of the Division II Tip-Off Classic with an 89-70 victory over the University of Minnesota-Duluth at Disney's Wide World of Sports Saturday. USI will play the winner of the Columbus State University/South Dakota State University game at 5 p.m. (CT) Sunday, November 11.

The Screaming Eagles raise their record to 2-0 overall, while UMD Bulldogs falls to 1-1.

USI took command of the game early, leading at halftime of 46-34 and building the lead to 19 point with the final of 89-70.

Sophomore forward Jessica Stuckman (Quincy, Illinois) led the way for the Eagles, scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Junior center Africa Sherrod (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) continued to impressive, dropping in 15 points and tying Stuckman for the team lead with seven rebounds.

Stuckman and Sherrod were joined in double-figure scoring by senior forward Casey Hughes (Bicknell, Indiana), sophomore guard Erin Wall (New Albany, Indiana), and senior guard Jasmine Moore (Chicago, Illinois) had 11 points each, while senior guard Mevett Wooley (Carbondale, Illinois) added 10 points.

The USI defense was spectacular again tonight, forcing the Bulldogs into 42 turnovers, a Tip-Off Classic single game record. The Eagle players also posted 18 steals.

After Sunday's championship game, the Eagles will prepare for the season opener at home when they host Michigan Tech University Monday, November 10, at 7 p.m.