HICKORY, N.C. – The top-ranked Johnson County Community College women's basketball team survived a late push to remain unbeaten, edging North Iowa Area Community College 79-77 on Thursday in the NJCAA D-II quarterfinals at the Tarlton Complex in Hickory, N.C.

Johnson County improved to 34-0 on the season, but it didn't come easy against a North Iowa Area squad that entered the contest at 28-3 and shot an even 50 percent from the field.

The Cavaliers came out firing, building a 26-17 lead after the first quarter behind hot shooting from the perimeter. They extended the advantage to 46-35 at halftime, appearing in control after knocking down 10 first-half three-pointers.

However, momentum shifted in the third quarter. Johnson County went cold offensively, shooting just 26.7 percent, while North Iowa chipped away with a 20-10 period to cut the deficit to one heading into the final quarter.

The fourth turned into a back-and-forth battle. North Iowa Area briefly grabbed the lead late, fueled by standout performances from Reggi Spotts (25 points) and Ciara Seifert (23 points, 15 rebounds). Zaria Falls added 20 points as the visitors continued to apply pressure.

Johnson County responded behind Mia Adams, who led the Cavaliers with 20 points, including five three-pointers. Jade Warren provided a key spark off the bench with 15 points, while Kara Stricklin added 13 and four assist, Layla Scott finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists and Anonda Ford tallied 10 points with six rebounds

With the game hanging in the balance in the final minute, Johnson County executed just enough down the stretch to hold off North Iowa Area's upset bid and secure the two-point victory.

The Cavaliers controlled the paint (32-16) and received a big boost from their bench, which outscored North Iowa 20-2—critical factors in the narrow win.

Johnson County now advances still unbeaten to the semifinals of the NJCAA D-II Tournament.