Lauren Hill honored during women’s NCAA championship game

Lauren Hill, a college basketball player who died nearly a year ago at the age of 19 from inoperable brain cancer, was honored tonight during the women’s national championship game — an honor that garnered an emotional standing ovation.

“The WBHOF was proud to present the first Love of the Game Award to Lauren Hill at the NCAA champ game. #WFinalFour,” the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame tweeted.

The WBHOF was proud to present the first Love of the Game Award to Lauren Hill at the NCAA champ game. #WFinalFour pic.twitter.com/SeWbVZ3dvQ

— Women's Bball HOF (@WBHOF) April 6, 2016

Hill was awarded the first-ever Love of the Game award, which her parents accepted on her behalf, according to Cincinnati.com.

“An emotional standing ovation as the late Lauren Hill is honored at the #NationalChampionship,” the NCAA tweeted.

An emotional standing ovation as the late Lauren Hill is honored at the #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/IdOpJ9bOpS

— NCAA (@NCAA) April 6, 2016

Hill gained national attention when she scored the first basket for Mount St. Joseph University women’s basketball during a game in November 2014 while battling Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG.

DIPG made Hill sensitive to sensations, but she was determined to keep playing basketball while battling the disease.

Hill became an advocate for her condition and raise over $1.4 million for DIPG research. She passed away on April 10, 2015.

Contact Kira Terry at kterry@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @kiraterry