Powell’s 21 Points Put Pomona in Title Game

Freshman center Aprile Powell scored a game-high 21 points as Cal Poly Pomona pulled away in the second half to defeat top-seeded Columbus (Ga.) State, 80-72, in the NCAA Division II semifinals Thursday night at Rochester, Minn.

Anna James had 18 points and Lauri McIntosh added 16 to help knock off the previously undefated Cougars (31-1). Pomona (26-3) will play North Dakota in Saturday’s championship game.

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Kelly Wise and Earl Barron each scored 16 points and Memphis used a strong inside game to beat New Mexico, 81-63, in the National Invitation Tournament quarterfinals at Memphis. Memphis (20-14) will face Tulsa in the semifinals Tuesday in New York. . . . April Atuaia sank two free throws with 1:17 remaining at Honolulu to give Hawaii (26-7) a 52-51 women’s NIT quarterfinal victory over Oklahoma State (16-15) late Wednesday night.