March 8, 2006

Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Ohio) defeated Iowa Wesleyan (Iowa) 87-81 in the first round of the 15^th Annual NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship. The 2006 event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

Ben Falkenberg led three Cougar players in scoring with 25 points. The American Mideast Conference South Division Newcomer-of-the-Year made 6 of 11 three point baskets and was a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line in coming off the bench for the Cougars. Junior Steve Mayes came off the bench as well to record a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. The 7-0 center also blocked six shots. Senior guard Andrew Thompson added 12 points for Mount Vernon Nazarene, who shot 50% from the field for the game. The American Mideast Conference Tournament Champions, making their fifth appearance in the national tournament and first since 2000, improve to 26-8 on the season. They are one of three American Mideast teams in the 32-team field, joining Daemen, who lost to Mayville State earlier in the day, and 2005 champion Walsh, who plays Tennessee Wesleyan tomorrow at 1:45 pm.

Iowa Wesleyan was led by senior Zach Silverman who netted 28 points to go along with his six rebounds. Senior Adam Stringer and junior Jesse Hill chipped in 18 and 14 points, respectively. Stringer closes his Tiger career with 1,671 points, fourth all-time in Iowa Wesleyan history. Hill dished out a game-high six assists in the loss. The Tigers shot 40% from the field and just 27% from the three point line. Iowa Wesleyan was making their second national tournament appearance, having lost in the first round in 2004 to MidAmerica Nazarene. The Midwest Classic Conference Tournament Champions end their season with a 25-7 overall record.

Mount Vernon Nazarene will face top-seeded Embry-Riddle (Fla.) on Friday, March 10, at noon in the second round. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 14.

Box Score