Troy is in the Fab 4 of the Women’s NIT for the second straight year after a 97-88 victory at North Dakota State on Monday night.

The Trojans outscored the Bison 16-7 in the extra period, connecting on 10 free throws to win going away at the Scheels Center in Fargo, N.D. Troy (23-13) advances to a semifinal game at Illinois State at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday for a shot at the NIT championship game.

“It’s remarkable to watch,” Troy coach Chanda Rigby said. “For all those watching, we appreciate you. This journey continues to be incredible. Now, we’re in the Fab 4 for the second time in a row. We are determined to keep this going and go for a national championship.”

Briana Peguero led Troy with a career-high 22 points, going 10-for-11 on free throws. Shaulana Wagner added 18 points, while Zay Dyer (14), Brianna Jackson (14) and Fortuna Ngnawo (11) were also in double-figures scoring.

Avery Koenen led North Dakota State (21-12) with 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Abby Schulte added 12 points and five assists. It was the Bison’s second loss this season to Troy, which also won 86-69 in the Great Alaska Shootout on Nov. 23 in Anchorage.

Troy won the rebounding battle 56-37, with Jackson grabbing 14 and Ngnawo 13. The Trojans shot 43% from the field and made 26 free throws.

“No matter the outcome, I was so proud of this team,” said Rigby, whose team lost to Minnesota in last year’s WNIT semifinals. “We were put in adverse situations all game long and this team persevered throughout. It was clear after the first half that they were going to score inside and at the line. So, we made those adjustments, and this team did a great job executing.

“It wasn’t just the big shots from (Peguero), it was how tough she played. She took it all to heart and played out of her mind. I’m also proud of Shaulana. She’s become a coach on the floor and knows how to get everyone involved.”

Buffalo hosts Cleveland State in the other Women’s NIT Fab 4 game on Wednesday. The WNIT championship game is set for Saturday.