BALLADEER’S BLOG: MORE COLLEGE BASKETBALL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS CROWNED

NAIA

FRONTIER CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME – The MONTANA TECH OREDIGGERS and the CARROLL COLLEGE FIGHTING SAINTS battled for this tournament’s title.

The Orediggers were well and truly in charge by Halftime with their 47-30 lead. From there, Montana Tech coasted to a 93-77 victory. Asa Williams led the Orediggers to the championship with THIRTY-ONE points.   

GOLDEN STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME – This game pitted the ARIZONA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY FIRESTORM against THE MASTER’S UNIVERSITY MUSTANGS.

The Mustangs were on top 51-44 at the Half, but after the break the Firestorm rallied for a heart-pounding 96-95 triumph. Mikah Blackwell’s Double Double of 24 points and 12 rebounds led Arizona Christian University.

SOUTHERN STATES ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME – The last two teams standing in this conference tournament were the LOYOLA UNIVERSITY (LA) WOLFPACK and the UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE-SOUTHERN FIREHAWKS.

This turned out to be a defensive epic with each team smothering their opponents’ offense and at the midpoint the Wolfpack led by a mere 26-21. From there the Firehawks pulled to within 3 points but no closer as Loyola won the SSAC title 51-48. Twelve points from Malik Tyson led the Wolfpack.

RIVER STATES CONFERENCE

FIRST SEMIFINAL – The SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS COLLEGE POMEROYS took on the SHAWNEE STATE BEARS for a slot in the RSC semifinals.

The Pomeroys held a 42-34 advantage come Halftime. After the break, SMWC managed a bit more separation from the Bears as they won by a final score of 74-64. Chaz Birchfield tossed in 17 points to lead the Pomeroys, while his teammate Cobie Barnes logged a Double Double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

SECOND SEMIFINAL – In this game the POINT PARK UNIVERSITY PIONEERS faced the WEST VIRGINIA TECH GOLDEN BEARS.

The Pioneers dominated on both sides of the ball and at the Half they were on top 58-30. Point Park U. then kept the Golden Bears at arm’s length the rest of the game for an 87-63 victory. Jalen Stamps put up THIRTY-NINE points for the Pioneers while Jo Valrie contributed a Double Double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.