Lexington, Va. - The Big Red marched into Holekamp Gym on the campus of Washington and Lee University already in the record books, but they still had more to prove in their Round of 16 matchup with familiar foe John Carroll, and they would not be denied, as high-scoring and efficient paint play gave Denison an 86-67 win over the Blue Streaks. The Denison defense came alive in the second half, and with four Big Red scoring in double figures along with momentum shifting plays, Denison punched their ticket into the "Elite Eight" for the first time in program history. Denison improves to 27-2, while John Carroll finishes their season 26-5.

First Quarter: A high-scoring first quarter ensued between both teams, as a back-and-forth affair had both teams exchanging buckets in the first three minutes. The Big Red started to create some separation as Ada Taute scored her sixth point along with a Morgan Kress layup to take a 13-7 advantage. The Blue Streaks would answer, but the Big Red kept their cushion throughout the first, as an Abby Cooch layup along with another Taute bucket gave Denison a 26-20 lead after the first quarter. Taute finished with eight to end the quarter, while Violet Mitchell added five.

Second Quarter: Denison did not take their foot off the gas pedal, as Mitchell scored five straight off of an and-one and a layup to give Denison 35-24 lead. Taute continued to impress, scoring in all phases, and Anelly Mad-toingué grabbed multiple boards in the process to keep the lead at multiple possessions. John Carroll would bring it back within four, but a layup from Molly Dorighi and a Taute three with under 25 seconds to play gave Denison a 52-45 lead heading into the half. Taute had 17 at the half, with Mitchell cashing in 12. Cooch dished off three assists as well in the high-scoring first half.

Third Quarter: The third proved to be the difference maker, with Denison outscoring John Carroll 21-13. The Big Red went on a 7-0 run early into the third quarter, as Taute knocked down a pair of free throws and Dorighi rattled in a corner three to extend the lead to 14. Mad-toingué continued to rack up boards, and Taute reached 21 points in the night. In the final seconds up 71-58, Denison had possession looking to extend the lead. Cooch lined up for a three but missed, but Mad-toingué gathered the rebound and had a fall away put back as the clock hit zero to go up 73-58 heading into the fourth. Taute had 21 points entering the final quarter, and the Big Red went 6-6 (100%) from the charity stripe.

Fourth Quarter: The Blue Streaks started to claw their way back into the game, going on a 7-0 run, but would be stopped by a Cooch bucket to give her double figures and Denison a double digit lead once again. Adelyn Moore followed up with a layup of her own, and Taute effectively sealed the game with a three-point dagger to lead 80-65 with a minute remaining. Just as they had done all game, the Big Red were dialed at the free throw line, going 6-6 in the final minute to cap off a monumental victory and a ticket to the Elite Eight, 86-67. Denison dominated in the paint, scoring 56 points in comparison to John Carroll's 28. Taute led all scores with 24, and a total of four Big Red scored in double figures.

Key Highlights

• Four Denison players scored in double figures. Ada Taute (24), Violet Mitchell (16), Abby Cooch (12), Anelly Mad-toingué (12), Molly Dorighi (12) all put up double-digits.
• Anelly Mad-toingué recorded her sixth double-double of the season, grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds and also three blocks.
• Abby Cooch dished off a game-high six assists.
• Denison dominated in the paint, scoring 56 points and 13 points on second chance baskets. 
• The Big Red shot 47.8% (33-69) from the field, and led in the rebounding category 43-31.
• Denison went 16-18 (88.9%) from the charity stripe, with Cooch, Moore, Mitchell, and Taute going perfect.

Up Next for the Big Red

The Big Red will face the winner of host No. 3 Washington and Lee and No. 23 Bethel tomorrow at 8:00pm for a spot in the Final Four.