March 13, 2008

Freshman guard Brad Haugabrook nailed a 15-foot jumper with one second remaining to give 13^th-seed Northwood (Fla.) a thrilling 88-86 victory over Bluefield (Va.) at the 2008 NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championships. The event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

Both teams came into the game with identical 25-7 records. Northwood led the entire first half and carried a 48-37 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Bluefield rallied to take their first lead, 73-72, with just over seven minutes to play. The Seahawks recovered and pulled ahead, 84-80 with 1:12 left. Five straight Bluefield points put the Rams back in front until a pair of free throws by senior Marvin Owens gave the lead back to Northwood. Bluefield forward Omar Reed made one of two free throws with 11 seconds left to tie the game at 86, which set up the winning basket by Haugabrook. Bluefield's last second three point try bounced off the glass and did not drop, clinching the win for Northwood.

Northwood shot 49% for the game, 75% from beyond the arc. Six Seahawk players scored in double figures, led by Seven Ezumba with a career high 18 points and a tournament high 20 rebounds. Baree Ward added 17 points and Marvin Owens also recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Bluefield, the highest scoring team in the nation, was led by Omar Reed who netted a game-high 27 points. He also ripped down 13 rebounds and dished out three assists. Coryon Ross chipped in 19 points and Dontae Gholson added 13. Bluefield shot 38% from the floor and just 16% from the three point line. The Rams close out their season at 25-8.

 

Northwood  improves to 26-7 overall and advances to the second round in just their second season as a men's basketball program. They will play either fourth-seed Walsh (Ohio) or Judson (Ill.) on Friday at noon. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 18.