St. Bonifacius, Minn. — NCCAA Division II National Championship play began on Wednesday evening, with Crown facing Manhattan Christian in the second game of the day. The Polars pulled out a 58–56 win behind a Brayli Reimer double-double.

Avery Youngblood opened the scoring with a three-pointer to give the Polars a lead they would hold for nearly the entire game. Reimer and Sydney Cotten kept the offense rolling, combining for 10 of Crown's 17 first-quarter points as the Polars built a seven-point lead heading into the second frame.

Scoring was tough to come by early in the second, but a Manhattan three cut the deficit to four. Cassie Glasgow answered with a three-pointer of her own, and although the Thunder kept the quarter even from there, Crown still led 34–26 at halftime.

The second half started just like the first, with Youngblood knocking down a quick three to push the lead to 11. Kendall Clark and Brekyn Hanson also connected from deep in the third as Crown maintained a double-digit advantage for most of the period. A late 4–0 Thunder run trimmed the margin to six, and the Polars entered the fourth quarter up 48–42.

Manhattan quickly cut the deficit to one and traded baskets with Crown before finally tying the game at 53 with six minutes remaining. The Thunder then took their first lead of the night with a three-pointer to go up 56–53. Reimer responded with a tough finish after a Hanson offensive rebound, and an Avery Youngblood three with four minutes left proved to be the game-winner as the Polars held on for the 58–56 victory.

Reimer finished with a game-high 16 points, adding 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Youngblood hit four threes and totaled 12 points. Cotten pulled down 13 rebounds to go with 7 points and 3 assists. Morgan Bednarek grabbed 11 boards and also scored 7 points. Glasgow added 7 points on 3-of-5 shooting off the bench.

The Polars keep their national championship hopes alive and will face Pensacola Christian at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday.