SCRANTON, Pa. -- The University of Scranton women's basketball team posted a 82-43 victory over Otterbein University in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament at the John Long Center Saturday night.

The Basics

• Final Score: No. 4 Scranton - 82, Otterbein - 43
• Records: No. 4 Scranton (29-0), Otterbein (23-6)
• With the win, the Lady Royals advance to the Sweet 16 where they'll face off against Bates College on Friday, March 13 at a site and time yet to be determined.
• More info on the Sweet 16 game will be released as soon it is available.

How it Happened

• The Lady Royals opened the game strong with Katie Gorski leading the way with a driving layup to get the first points on the board. Kaci Kranson followed with a corner three to give the Royals a 5–2 lead.
• Sophia Talutto came in with a clutch three that started the momentum for Scranton. She followed with a blocked shot, disrupting the possession and helping shift the pace of the game.
• Kranson helped extend the lead with a step-back floater to give the Lady Royals offensive control.
• Elizabeth Bennett and Kranson closed the first quarter with driving layups, carrying the momentum into the second quarter. Kranson opened the second with another corner three while Jenna Sloan added a driving layup to stretch the Lady Royals' lead.
• Talutto stayed aggressive, making clutch free throws, a layup, and a step-back floater before Bennett drilled a three from the top of the key with five seconds left to send the Lady Royals into halftime ahead 39–25.
• Physicality from both sides led to both teams going over the foul limit, allowing Scranton to capitalize at the line, shooting 77.7% from the free-throw line.
• Talutto stayed aggressive with a blocked shot that led to a floater in the paint, growing the Royals' lead to 53–29.
• Setting the tone for the offense for the rest of the game, Bennett hit a deep three to grow the advantage.
• The defense stayed consistent, highlighted by a blocked shot by Kaeli Romanowski to end the third quarter, allowing the Royals to maintain the lead.
• Kranson opened the fourth with a driving layup, and baskets from Gorski, Bennett, and Romanowski kept the offense rolling.
• A three-pointer from Natalie Stoupakis and late scoring by Marisa Francione sealed the deal for the Lady Royals, while Gabriella Murphy finished the game with a steal to secure the 82–43 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• FG%: Scranton 51%, Otterbein 34.7%
• 3PT: Scranton 6–10, Otterbein 1–8
• Points in the Paint: Scranton 32, Otterbein 16

Top Performers

• Kaci Kranson: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2-2 3PT
• Sophia Talutto: 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
• Katie Gorski: 14 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 4-8 FG
• Elizabeth Bennett: 12 points, 2 rebounds, 5-5 FT
• Kaeli Romanowski: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 7-7 FT

Up Next

• The Lady Royals will face Bates College in the Sweet 16 game on Friday, March 13.