AIKEN --- In the wild and crazy world of Peach Belt Conference women's basketball, the strange continued to occur Saturday afternoon.

Lander, the No. 4 seed, and Armstrong Atlantic State, the No. 7 seed, each won their semifinal matchups to advance to today's championship game at 2 p.m. at the USC Aiken Convocation Center. Today's winner will clinch an automatic berth into the NCAA Division II Tournament.

The two Peach Belt teams left in the tournament that are ranked in the South Atlantic Region's top eight -- No. 5 Francis Marion and No. 8 Columbus State -- both lost in the semifinals.

In the first game, Armstrong Atlantic State (20-10) won its third game in the tournament, defeating Columbus State, 78-68.

"Today, they were so much fun to watch because we had a great effort," Lady Pirates coach Roger Hodge said.

Against Columbus State, Lacey Willis scored 16 points to lead five Armstrong Atlantic State players in double figures.

LANDER 93, FRANCIS MARION 73

Shannon McKever and Kianna Smith scored 19 apiece to lead the Lady Bearcats (21-11). Lander led at halftime, 48-25.

Creshenda Singletary scored 16 points to lead Francis Marion (21-8). The Patriot women shot 33 percent in the first half and never got on track.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.