PITTSBURGH — Why not?

That was the message from IUP senior forward Nyshae' Weaver after the Crimson Hawks secured the program's first trip to a national championship game with a 75-70 win over Colorado Mesa in the NCAA Division II Final Four.

The third time proved to be the charm for IUP, which broke through in the national semifinals after falling short in its previous two Final Four appearances.

The Crimson Hawks set the tone early, racing out to a 12-0 lead before the first media timeout. Weaver scored seven of those points and finished with a team-high 21.

Despite picking up two early fouls, Weaver settled in and played 33 minutes, committing just one more foul the rest of the way while anchoring IUP on both ends of the floor.

Teresa Maggio added 17 points and two steals, delivering multiple momentum-shifting and-one plays. Senior Ellie Wilkerson provided a spark as well, scoring key baskets in the paint and knocking down a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to help steady the Crimson Hawks.

IUP also received key contributions from several role players. Belle Bosch, who has battled illness throughout the postseason, finished with nine points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists. Marin Miller added three points, all in critical fourth-quarter moments, while committing just one turnover as the team's primary ballhandler.

Freshman Molly Keane played a pivotal role off the bench, logging important minutes after Weaver's early foul trouble and helping IUP maintain its lead.

For Colorado Mesa, Olivia Reed and Mason Rowland carried the offensive load, combining for 61 of the team's 70 points. They were the only Mavericks to score until the 3:49 mark of the third quarter.

With the win, IUP advances to the national championship game, which will be played Saturday at UPMC Cooper Field House. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.