March 7, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. -Spalding University (Ky.) registered the first major upset of the tournament as they knocked off #3 Point Park University (Pa.), 78-63, 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.).

After a first half which featured six ties and four lead changes, Spalding outscored Point Park 48-34 in the second half to earn the win. The Golden Eagles held a slim one point lead (46-45) with 12 minutes to play but went on an 11-2 run to extend the lead to double digits. The Pioneers made one more charge, cutting the lead down to four with four minutes left, but Spalding made their free throws down the stretch to ice the game.

Spalding was led by Chartea'l Hall who recorded a double-double with 27 points and 16 rebounds. The sophomore guard also dished out five assists. Chad O'Brien netted 19 points, including 5-8 three point baskets. The Golden Eagles limited held the nation's top offense in check, forcing 20 Point Park turnovers and holding the third-ranked Pioneers to 29% from beyond the arc. Spalding is the first team to knock off a top-seed in the first round since 1999.

Point Park was led by Gavin Prosser with 17 points. Chivas Whipple recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 boards. Point Park closes their record breaking season with a 29-2 overall mark. The Pioneers set a school record for wins and won their first ever American Mideast Conference Championship. They were making their second ever national tournament appearance.

Spalding advances to the second round with a 20-13 record. The Golden Eagles, who are playing in their first NAIA D-II national tournament, will play either #14 St. Francis (Ind.) or College of the Ozarks (Mo.) on Friday, March 8 at 5:45 p.m.

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