March 7, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - Sixth seed Kansas Wesleyan University used a huge first half to propel themselves to a 92-77 victory over Bluefield College (Va.) 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.).

Kansas Wesleyan started fast and led by 19 (29-10) just 10 minutes into the first half. The Coyotes continued to role in the second half until Bluefield cut a 26-point deficit down to 12, 70-82, with four minutes remaining. Kansas Wesleyan withstood the Ramblin' Rams comeback and earned the 15-point victory.

The Coyotes were led by KCAC Player-of-the-Year Marcus Faubion who scored 22 points. The senior made 10/12 field goals attempts and pulled down four rebounds. Anthony Smith and Jeff Baron netted 19 points each and Trey Sims added 18 for Kansas Wesleyan. Tony Boone dished out a game-high eight assists. The Coyotes shot 58% from the field and forced 27 Bluefield turnovers.

Bluefield was led by Omar Reed and Curtis Dixon who scored 26 and 24 points, respectively. The duo combined to make 7/11 three point attempts. Reed added 10 rebounds to record the double-double. The Appalachian Athletic Conference champions were making their sixth appearance at the national tournament and first since 2005. They end their season with a 21-12 overall mark.

Kansas Wesleyan improves to 28-3 overall this season and will advance to the second round on Friday, March 8 at 4:00 p.m. The Coyotes, who are making their first ever appearance to the D-II national tournament, will play the winner of the Albertson (Idaho)/#11 Northwestern (Iowa) game played later this evening.

For more information on the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship visit www.naia.org.