March 8, 2006

Unseeded Montreat College (N.C.) recorded the first tournament upset as they knocked off 12th-seeded University of Sioux Falls (S.D.), 93-83 in the first round of the 15th Annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. The 2006 event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

The Cavaliers, who trailed 33-38 at the half, used a 22-4 run at the beginning of the second period to pull ahead of the Cougars. Montreat had four players score in double figures, led by junior forward Noble Anthony with 16. Tim Lewis recorded the first double-double of the tournament with 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds while David Robinson and Aaron Collazo each netted 14 points. Robinson scored all 14 points in the second half, including four three point baskets. The Cavaliers shot 52% from the field (33-64) and 50% (8-16) from the three point line, well above their season average of 45%. Montreat is making their second tournament appearance and first since 2000.

The Cougars were led by junior Dylan Kvaale who netted a game-high 24 points, making 10 of 15 shots from the field. Senior Chad Van Hill and junior Eric Ables scored 14 and 13 points, respectively. Sioux Falls shot 46% from  the field, their season average, but were outrebounded 33-40 by the Cavaliers. The 93 points scored was the most points given up this season by the Cougars. Sioux Falls was making their third appearance at the national tournament after capturing the Great Plains Athletic Conference regular season championship. They finish their season with a 22-9 overall record.

Montreat College improves to 22-9 on the season and will face Mayville State (N.D.) in the second round on Friday, March 10, at 4:00 pm. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 14.

Box Score