Sat Mar 21 20:20:00 UTC 2026: # Lady Royals Halt NYU’s Historic Streak, Advance to National Championship

SALEM, Virginia – The University of Scranton Lady Royals defeated NYU 60-52 in the NCAA Division III women’s basketball semifinals on Thursday, March 20, 2026, ending NYU’s 91-game winning streak, the second-longest in NCAA basketball history. Scranton will now play Denison University for the national championship on Saturday, March 22, 2026, seeking their second title since 1985.

The Lady Royals demonstrated resilience after NYU narrowed a 12-point halftime deficit to three in the third quarter. Meghan Lamanna led Scranton with 18 points, while Kaeli Romanowski contributed 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 steals. Scranton’s defense proved crucial, forcing NYU into difficult shots and turnovers, ultimately securing the victory.

Key Points:

  • The University of Scranton defeated NYU 60-52 in the NCAA Division III women’s basketball semifinals.
  • NYU’s 91-game winning streak, the second-longest in NCAA history, was snapped.
  • Meghan Lamanna led Scranton with 18 points.
  • Kaeli Romanowski contributed 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 steals.
  • Scranton will play Denison University for the national championship on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
  • Denison defeated Wisconsin-Oshkosh 82-61 in the other semifinal game.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Scranton demonstrated defensive prowess and resilience in overcoming NYU’s comeback attempts.
  • Ending NYU’s historic winning streak is a significant achievement for the Scranton program.
  • The Lady Royals are one win away from securing their second national championship in program history.

Impact Analysis:

The victory over NYU, coupled with the chance to compete for a national championship, will likely have a lasting impact on the University of Scranton’s women’s basketball program. It raises the program’s profile, potentially attracting talented recruits and increasing fan engagement. The success may also galvanize the athletic department and generate more resources for the women’s basketball team in the future. The game serves as an example of the rising competiveness across all division levels in women’s basketball.

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