Over three thousand people watched undefeated Florida Gulf Coast play their last game at the Division II level. But a dream season for the Seagulls ended as the Southern Connecticut Owls used a smothering defense to power themselves to a 61-45 win and the Division II championship.

SCC's point guard LaShauna Jones scored a career high 19 points, 12 in the second half. She made 8 of 10 shots had three 3-pointers, all at crucial times. All-American and Tournament MVP Kate Lynch had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Shamika Jackson scored 13.

Meanwhile, FGC shot a miserable 30.5 from the field. "Southern Connecticut is a great team," FGCU coach Karl Smesko said. "They just beat us today. They were the better team and they out-executed us. Give them all the credit.

This is Southern's first national championship, and SCSU is the first Northeast Region team to win the national title since cross town rival U. of New Haven in 1987.