BALLADEER’S BLOG: COLLEGE BASKETBALL CONFERENCE TOURNAMENTS CONTINUE

NAIA

SUN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME – The SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY FIRE and the SAINT THOMAS UNIVERSITY (FL) BOBCATS (should be Tomcats) were the last two teams standing in this conference tournament. At Halftime the Fire were clinging to a 32-30 edge. From there Southeastern U. managed more separation from the Bobcats to win the game by a final score of 70-62. Reggie Mesidor’s 24 points led the Fire while his teammate Riley Minix logged a Double Double of 18 points and 13 rebounds.

NAIA’s HEART OF AMERICA ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

FIRST QUARTERFINAL – This game saw the 5 seeds – the PERU STATE BOBCATS – take on the 4th seeded CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY EAGLES. The Eagles found themselves on top of their opponents by a mere 35-34 by the Half. After the break the Bobcats came roaring from behind for a 76-72 Upset victory. David Wingett Jr. led the way for Peru State with his 28 points. 

SECOND QUARTERFINAL – Chalk reasserted its control with this game as the top seeded MIDAMERICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY PIONEERS faced the 8 seeds – the MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE VIKINGS. The Pioneers put up 53 points in each Half, leading the Vikings 53-32 at the midpoint before crushing them with a Century Club score of 106-69. MNU was led by Ed Wright with 27 points, while fellow Pioneer Caleb Jones-McCrary notched a Double Double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.

THIRD QUARTERFINAL – In this game the 2 seeds – the BAKER UNIVERSITY WILDCATS – clashed with the 7th seeded PARK UNIVERSITY PIRATES. The Wildcats seemed to be in command with their 47-31 Halftime lead over Park University. After the break, however, Baker U. had to hold on by their fingertips to survive a furious Pirates rally 87-85. Ty Henry, Ahmed Mahgoub and Noah Rigatuso led the Wildcats with 17 points each.

FOURTH QUARTERFINAL – The 3rd seeded GRACELAND UNIVERSITY YELLOW JACKETS played the 6 seeds – the CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE WILDCATS – for the final slot in the HAAC Semifinals. The Wildcats were out in front at the Half by a score of 31-27, but the Yellow Jackets regrouped in the locker room. From there Graceland University outscored CSC 50-33 for a 77-64 win. Sixteen points from Darrius Davis led the Yellow Jackets while his teammate Akeen Woods had a Double Double of 15 points and 12 rebounds.