WINONA LAKE, Ind. – For hoops fans, it doesn't get better than basketball and breakfast amidst the craziness of March Madness, and the University of Northwestern women's basketball team delivered a five-star performance to its fans early Wednesday morning. The upset-minded sixth-seeded Eagles knocked off No. 3 Emmanuel College (19-12) in thrilling fashion, 61-57, to earn a spot in Thursday's semifinals of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Tournament.

The day was highlighted by Regan Cooper (Pella, Iowa/Pella), who pulled down 11 boards to put her over 500 for her career – a feat she has eclipsed in just two seasons at UNW. She becomes the 14th player in UNW history to break the career 500-rebound mark at Northwestern. 

In a game that tipped at 8:30 a.m. local time on the campus of Grace College, UNW used a strong first half to even the all-time series (1-1) with Division II Emmanuel. The Lions topped the Eagles in the opening round of last year's national tournament in the Hoosier State.

Northwestern held a 34-29 lead heading into intermission and battled Emmanuel until the final horn. After the Lions knotted the score at 55-55 with 1:08 remaining in the game, sophomore Jessica Cole (Altoona, Iowa/Southeast Polk) went to the line and drilled a pair of free-throws to give UNW a two-point advantage. After Regan Cooper (Pella, Iowa/Pella) swiped a steal on the other end, Amy Berglund (Springfield, Va./West Springfield) was fouled and cashed in on her two attempts to extend the lead to four and secure the win.

Amy Berglund (Springfield, Va./West Springfield) turned in one of her top performances of the season, including a 9-for-12 effort at the charity stripe, en route to scoring a game-high 17 points, while Regan Cooper (Pella, Iowa/Pella) logged her third double-double of the season, as the senior netted 15 points and grabbed 11 boards to pace the 23-6 Eagles.

UNW shot 35.7 percent from the floor, while holding EC to 32.2 shooting.

The Eagles advance to Thursday's semifinal to face (No. 2) Roberts Wesleyan at 2:30 p.m. (CT). More updates can be found as they become available at www.unweagles.com.