March 8, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - #10 Indiana Wesleyan defeated Aquinas College (Mich.), 80-54, 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.).

Aquinas scored the first seven points of the game but Indiana Wesleyan stormed back to tie the score at 13. With the score tied at 19, the Wildcats went on an 18-4 run at the end of the half to take a 37-23 lead at intermission. Indiana Wesleyan continued to build up their advantage in the second half behind some torrid shooting, making 68% of their field goal attempts from the floor.

Indiana Wesleyan had three players score in double figures, led by Antonio Murrell with 18. Jon Moon nailed 4-7 three point baskets en route to 16 points. Joel Tonagel added 14 points and was perfect from the three point line, making all four of his attempts. The Wildcats shot an incredible 66% for the game and an even better 69% from the three point line.

Aquinas was led by John Lierman with 18 points. Johnny Martin chipped in 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds. The Saints could not find their shooting touch as they made just 33% of their field goal attempts. The Saints finish the season with a 22-12 overall mark.

Indiana Wesleyan, who won their first ever Mid-Central Conference Championship and set a school record for most wins in a season, improves to 29-4 overall. They will play the winner of the #7 Oregon Tech/Northwood (Fla.) contest in the second round on Friday, March 9 at noon.

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