Central Missouri last won a title in 1984. Ashland last lost a game November 6, 2016 versus D1 Ohio State, a record 73-game winning streak. Both streaks ended Friday as the Jennies defeated defending champ Ashland 66-52 in the D2 Women's Basketball National Championship.
The title marks the first for the MIAA conference since Emporia State took home the crown in 2010.
The Jennies consistently beat Ashland's vaunted press and earned easy baskets, taking a 35-31 lead into halftime, despite the Eagles jumping out 16-8 on 7-for-7 shooting.
Central Missouri took advantage of Ashland going cold from the floor (24 percent) and forced 19 turnovers.
Ashland stayed within striking distance, cutting the lead to one possession late, but Megan Skaggs took care of that, scoring nine consecutive points to put the game out of reach.
Central Missouri University Jennies: Giant killers and 2017-18 D2 Women's Basketball National Champions.
