March 7, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - 16th seed Northwest University (Wash.) outlasted Holy Names (Calif.), 86-74, 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.).

It was unseeded Holy Names who jumped out to the early lead in the first half behind 14 first half points by Nick Stephens. The Falcons led 34-24 with five minutes to go before a late Northwest run cut the deficit to three (39-42) by halftime. Holy Names continued to lead in the second half until a three pointer by Eagle forward Kendrick Holley tied the game at 51. Northwest then took control of the game, leading by as much as 12 at several different points during the second half.

Balance was a key for Northwest as five players scored in double figures. Chris Keller led the Eagles with 17 points, all in the first half. The senior guard made 5-10 three point baskets and also grabbed four rebounds. Kendrick Holley and Stephen Ishmael netted 14 each and Morgan Axton (13) and Aaron Sawyer (12) were also in double figures. Northwest shot an even 50% from the floor and made 11-23 three point attempts for 48%.

Nick Stephens and Josh Dozier both recorded double-doubles for Holy Names. Stephens led way with 23 points and 11 rebounds while Dozier added 11 points and 15 boards. The Hawks shot just 37% from the floor, just 27% in the second half. Holy Names was making their second straight trip to the national tournament and sixth overall. The California Pacific League champions end their season with a 21-12 overall mark.

Northwest improves to 25-8 on the season and will advance to the second round. The Eagles will face top seed Bellevue at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, March 9. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 13.