Wednesday was a good day for the Tiffin University women's basketball team.

The Dragons were hosting their first ever GLIAC Tournament game in the Gillmor Center and made the most of it, dispatching a gritty Hillsdale team 68-58 to advance to the Final Four at Ashland University March 3-4. TU (21-6) will face second-seeded Ferris State after the Bulldogs posted a 68-61 win over Findlay.

TU also found out that they moved up in the Midwest Region rankings, vaulting over Michigan Tech for the 8th spot in the poll. The move improves the team's chances to land a NCAA postseason berth for the first time in school history.

The Dragons and Chargers played a nailbiter with a supportive crowd on hand. After putting a late run together near the end of the first half, the Dragons took a 35-31 lead into the halftime lockerroom.

The second half continued to be close, with both teams tied at 40-40 at the 14:33 mark. But then the Dragons made their move.

Over the next 6:30, TU put together a 16-5 run that pushed their lead to 11 points. The Dragons' defense, which played solidly all game, was not about to relinquish that lead. After Hillsdale pulled to within 61-54 with 2:19 left, the Dragons controlled the ball and hit five free throws over the final 1:54 to cement the victory.

The Dragons continued their strong post play, outrebounding Hillsdale 41-33. Jessica Harris, coming off being named GLIAC Player of the Week, had arguably her best game of the season, scoring 16 points with 16 rebounds. Mandy Jaeb also totaled 19 points with 6 assists and combined with Harris to go 13 of 16 from the free throw line.

Amanda Baute also came off the bench for 9 points and 12 more rebounds, combining with Harris to grab 28 of TU's 41 boards. Melissa Gilliland had 9 points, Karli Mast had 8 points, and Jennifer Johnston added 7 points.

TU also held a 18-9 edge at the free throw line, hitting 18 of 27 total shots. They also made the most of Hillsdale's 14 turnovers, holding a 21-6 edge in points off turnovers.