RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State women's basketball team will play as the No. 2 seed in this week's Great American Conference tournament at Northside Arena in Fort Smith, Ark. 

Northwestern will take on East Centeral in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 2:15 p.m., and, with a win, would play the winner of No. 3 Arkansas Tech or No. 6 Ouachita Baptist in the semifinals on Saturday at 8 p.m. before a potential Sunday championship game at 3:30 p.m.

The Lady Rangers and Tigers split the regular season series, with Northwestern winning at home behind a 20-point effort from Kira Bass in a 74-56 victory and falling in Ada, 61-56, with Bass once again leading the Lady Rangers in scoring with 16 points.

This is the highest seed that the Lady Rangers have had since joining the Great American Conference, and the third season in a row that Northwestern has made the GAC tournament. Last season, the Lady Rangers defeated Oklahoma Baptist in double overtime to win their first GAC tournament game in program history. 

Fans can purchase tickets for the GAC tournament by going to https://gofan.co/app/school/AR27229_1, with tickets priced at $12 per session or listen live on KRDR 105.7 FM or online at alvaradio.com.

For the latest news and updates on NWOSU, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com

2026 GAC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, MARCH 5:
Women's Quarterfinals
Game #1: 2:15 PM - #2 Northwestern Oklahoma State vs. #7 East Central
Game #2: 8:00 PM - #1 Harding vs. #8 Southern Nazarene

FRIDAY, MARCH 6:
Women's Quarterfinals
Game #3: 5:45 PM - #4 Henderson State vs. #5 Southeastern Oklahoma State
Game #4: 8:00 PM - #3 Arkansas Tech vs. #6 Ouachita Baptist

SATURDAY, MARCH 7:
Women's Semifinals
Game #5: 5:45 PM- Winner Game #2 vs Winner Game #3
Game #6: 8:00 PM - Winner Game #1 vs Winner Game #4

SUNDAY, MARCH 8:
Women's Championship
Game #7: 3:30 PM - Winner Game #5 vs Winner Game #6