March 7, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - Unseeded Cornerstone University (Mich.) recorded the first upset of the tournament as they defeated #9 Sioux Falls (S.D), 74-60, in the first round of the 16th Annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. The 2007 event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

Sioux Falls jumped out to the early lead (20-12) but the Golden Eagles stormed back by the end of the first half to take a 29-25 advantage. Cornerstone continued to build up their lead during the opening minutes of the second half before a USF run cut the deficit to two, 43-45 with nine minutes to go. The Golden Eagles, however, scored the next nine points and pulled away for the double-digit victory.

Cornerstone was led by senior Andy Bronkema with 21 points. Kevin Wurn added 19 points while John Jonker registered a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Golden Eagles shot 51% from the floor and dominated the glass, 42-33.

Sioux Falls was led by senior Dylan Kvaale who scored a game-high 27 points. Tut Yual came off the Cougar bench to score eight points. USF shot just 39% from the floor and made just 6-21 three point baskets. Sioux Falls ends their season with a 28-5 overall record.

Cornerstone improves to 24-9 on the season with the win and advances to the second round on Friday. They will face #8 Walsh , who defeated King College (Tenn.) 78-69, at 8:30 a.m. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 13.