March 7, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - Top seed Bellevue University (Neb.) rolled past Fisher College (Mass.), 95-54, 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.).

The top-ranked Bruins never trailed in the contest as they jumped out to a 15-4 lead. Fisher managed to cut the deficit to seven before Bellevue outscored the Falcons 17-5 at the close of the first half to take a 43-24 lead. The Bruins continued to role in the second half as they extended the lead to over 20 with 13 minutes to go.

Bellevue was led by Joe Webb with 21 points. The senior made 4-8 field goal attempts and was 13-15 from the charity stripe. Klaye Rowe netted 20 points on 10 for 12 shooting. The Bruins shot an incredible 61% for the game and converted 25-32 free throw attempts.

Fisher was led by senior guard Michael Newcombe who netted 13 points and grabbed five rebounds. JJ Holmes added 12 points, all on three point baskets. The Falcons were making their third consecutive trip to the national tournament. They end their season with a 13-18 overall record.

Bellevue improves to 32-1 on the season and will advance to the second round. The Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference champion will face either #16 Northwest (Wash.) or Holy Names (Calif.) at 10:15 a.m on Friday, March 9. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 13.