Ava Ranson had ice in her veins, making a pair of free throws with just four seconds remaining in the game to send Cal State San Marcos to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, beginning next week in St. Joseph, Mo.

The Cougars took the lead in the first half and made it look like they were going to cruise to the West Region title but Montana State Billings had other plans, clawing back from down 10 to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. West Region Player of the Year Jordan Vasquez gave CSUSM back a lead with an basket-and-one with 35 seconds let but MSUB's Kola Bad Bear evened it up just seconds later to put the game in the hands of the Cougars.

Ranson drew the foul on a driving layup and made both free throws to take the lead and a late try by the 'Jackets fell short to give the Cougars the 73-71 win.

Cal State San Marcos was led by 22 points and six assists from Charity Gallegos. Vasquez added 19 points while Truitt Reilly recorded 11 points and eight rebounds in the win. Ranson finished with 11 points to round out Cougars in double-digit scoring.

The Cougars will now await their quarterfinal opponent as the NCAA will reseed the eight advancing teams for the Elite Eight, which begins on Mar