PITTSBURGH — The IUP women’s basketball team will play for the NCAA Division II national championship on Saturday, thanks to a 75-70 win over Colorado Mesa on Thursday at Duquesne University.

It was the first loss of the year for Colorado Mesa (37-1).

The Lady Crimson Hawks will play Grand Valley State, which won the other semifinal game Thursday over Alabama Huntsville. Saturday’s game is back at Duquesne.

Belle Bosch of Chestnut Ridge had nine points and eight rebounds for IUP (30-3).

Teammate Marin Miller of Hollidaysburg had four points, three rebounds and three assists.

IUP, up 36-29 at halftime, got 21 points from Nyshae Weaver and 20 points from Ellie Wilkerson.

Olivia Reed had 34 points for CM and 27 more from Mason Rowland.