The Millsaps women’s basketball team’s season concluded Friday after an 81-73 loss to No. 13 Bethel University in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championship in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Majors fought hard but fell in the final minutes, despite a strong effort throughout the game, according to sources.
Head coach Jeff Wilbur and assistant coach Ciara Jackson led Millsaps to a 21-8 record in their first season. The team’s appearance marked only its second in the NCAA Division III tournament. Millsaps outrebounded Bethel 44-37, including 18 offensive boards, but the Royals converted 17 of 25 free throws, which proved decisive in the closing minutes, sources said.
Junior Tia Anderson led the Majors with 24 points, four three-pointers, and 13 rebounds. She ended her season with 69 three-pointers and 484 total points, ranking 25th in NCAA Division III for made threes. Her teammate Garin Freeman posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 assists, finishing third nationally with 183 assists. Senior Elyse Warren added 13 points and 13 rebounds in her final game, finishing her career with 55 double-doubles and a conference-record 1,219 rebounds, according to team stats.
Senior Maddy Maw scored 12 points and had two steals in her final appearance. The Raymond, Mississippi native played aggressively in her last game, sources said. The game saw nine ties and 18 lead changes, with Bethel taking a late lead in the fourth quarter. Despite a comeback effort, Millsaps fell short as Bethel made free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
The Majors will look to build on this season’s success, which included a run to the NCAA tournament. Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s updates on X, Instagram, Facebook, and the official website, gomajors.com.
