GRANVILLE, Ohio – No. 5 Denison women's basketball saw its North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament run come to a close Wednesday evening, falling 75–59 to DePauw University in the semifinal round inside Livingston Gymnasium.

The Big Red battled throughout and closed the night with their highest-scoring quarter of the game, pouring in 27 points in the fourth, but DePauw used steady offense across the first three periods to build separation. Denison moves to 24–2 overall (13–1 NCAC) with the setback, while DePauw improves to 18–9 (9–5 NCAC) and advances to the NCAC Championship Game. 

First Quarter: Denison settled into a defensive battle early against DePauw, forcing steals and contesting shots to keep the Tigers off the board through the opening minutes. Morgan Kress got Denison started with a layup in the paint halfway through the quarter, while Brooke Toigo and Molly Dorighi each connected from three-point range to trim the deficit. The Big Red continued to battle on the glass and create extra possessions, but DePauw converted late opportunities to take a narrow 12–8 lead into the second quarter.

Second Quarter: Denison fought to stay within striking distance in the second quarter, but DePauw steadily extended its lead. DePauw pushed ahead with key jumpers and a three-pointer, while added points in the paint and at the free-throw line. The Big Red answered with strong inside scoring from Ada Taute and Abby Cooch and a late free throw by Cooch to keep Denison competitive. Despite the effort, DePauw carried a 28–15 advantage into halftime, forcing Denison to play catch-up in the second half.

Third Quarter: Denison continued to battle in the third, cutting into DePauw lead behind strong paint scoring and timely baskets from multiple players. Cooch and Violet Mitchell converted layups in the paint, while Anelly Mad-Toingué added points at the free-throw line and in the paint. Despite the Big Red's effort to chip away, DePauw maintained momentum with consistent scoring including a pair of three-pointers and layups on fast breaks. Denison kept the quarter competitive, closing some of the gap with late free throws and layups from Cooch and Moore, but the Tigers carried a 49–32 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Denison fought hard in the final frame, rallying behind key baskets from Taute, Cooch, Toigo, and Adelyn Moore. Taute's 3-pointers and layups helped the Big Red trim the deficit, while Cooch added paint points and assists to keep Denison within striking distance. Despite the late surge, DePauw maintained control with strong free-throw shooting. Denison closed the game with energy and scoring bursts, but DePauw held on for a 75–59 semifinal victory.

Key Performers:

• Abby Cooch paced the team with 18 points, adding four rebounds and three assists, and went a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.
• Ada Taute contributed 17 points along with six rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

• Anelly Mad-toingué recorded 10 rebounds and four points, while also adding four blocks and three steals.

• Brooke Toigo chipped in six points, three rebounds, and one assist.