Pacific Christian Women in Tournament Semifinals

Pacific Christian forced 33 turnovers and defeated Atlanta Christian, 81-63, in the first round of the National Christian College Athletic Assn. Division II women’s basketball tournament Thursday at Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, Pa.

Atlanta Christian led, 37-31, at the half, but PCC tightened its full-court press, pulled even and then broke away with about four minutes left. Pacific Christian had 25 steals, including Gina Atkins with six and Kandee Almond with five.

Atkins scored 24 points, and Almond added 23 for the Royals (17-15), who will play defending champion Northwest College of Kirkland, Wash., in a semifinal at 3 p.m. (PST) today.