EAST PEORIA, IL -- A buzzer-beating shot launched from NBA three-point distance lifted Schoolcraft College over Kankakee Community College here tonight, giving the Ocelots a 69-66 win and a third-place finish in the NJCAA Women's Division II National Tournament.

Angela Burrell (Detroit Northwestern) made the game-winning three-pointer, giving her 10 points for the game, with seven assists. Jasmine Brown (Romulus) added 10 points while Amber Avery, (Southfield Lathrup) did double duty, leading all scorers with 24 points and pulling down a game-high 16 rebounds. For the tournament Avery averaged 17 points and 11.6 rebonds per game and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Click here to read the Livonia Observer article about the game.

Click here to read the Daily Journal (IL) article about the game.

The win caps a memorable season for the Ocelots. They spent several weeks at No. 1 in the NJCAA national rankings; finished the regular season ranked No. 5; took a 31-1 record into post-season play; won their state tournament and regional qualifying tournament; made their third trip to nationals since 2001; and finished with an overall win-loss record of 33-2.

As the tournament's No. 4 seed, Schoolcraft received a first-round bye. A second-round win over Pima Community College (AZ), 65-56, advanced Schoolcraft to the semifinals, where they faced defending national champion Kirkwood Community College (IA). Kirkwood prevailed in that contest, 58-44, setting up the Schoolcraft-Kankakee game for third place. Kirkwood went on to win its fourth straight national title.

The tournament Web site offers detailed stats and game-action photos that are available for sale.