(Photo courtesy of Philip Lowry)

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas – The No. 6 Seed Dallas Christian College women's basketball team saw its Cinderella run in on Saturday in the Southwest Regional Championship game vs. No. 1 Seed Arlington Baptist University.

The Crusaders were defeated 88-59 to the top nationally ranked team, as the Lady Patriots won for the ninth consecutive year. DCC held onto its lead halfway through the second quarter until a basket by Jakayla Bradford made it 29-28. The Lady Patriots surged to a 51-28 lead at halftime and would be in control the rest of the way. 

Playing as the guests for the third straight time, the Crusaders leaped out to an 18-12 advantage after one quarter. Keiarra Rivers scored to make it 6-4 four minutes in and DCC did not trail until midway through the second before the momentum changed for good. 

Shabaria Walter was the lone DCC member to reach double figures with 19 points. It also was the most the senior had in a game this tournament. She neared a double-double with nine rebounds. Rivers was the next highest scorer with nine points, while Taylor Brokenberry and Micayla Havard each scored eight. 

Arlington Baptist was led by Bradford with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Billie Sulak also notched a double-double with 12 points and 14 boards from the bench. 

Two of the past three days, host school DCC disrupted the bracket with a pair of upsets not only in the region but also taking down the number six and two ranked teams in the polls. The Crusaders dropped to 14-8 overall including 10-8 against National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) teams.

Congratulations to head coach Larry Tidwell in his first season at DCC to guide a rebuilding program and inspire the girls to compete all the way to the regional title game.

Rivers demonstrated this tournament why she as an All-Region selection with her great play on both sides of the ball.

Finally a great thank you to the DCC staff that helped throughout this week make sure the tournament was a success. A special thanks to Athletics Director Gregg Mucerino on his drive to make sure this year's event was the best possible.

Dallas Christian will play in the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) Tournament on March 3-6. Keep up on dccsports.com for the bracket to be released.