March 8, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. -#7 Oregon Tech ended Northwood's season with a 90-72 victory in the first round at 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.).

Oregon Tech scored the first 20 points of the game before the Seahawks got on the board. Northwood managed to cut the lead down to 11 and trailed at intermission, 36-47. The Seahawks continued their comeback bid in the second half, twice cutting the deficit down to seven. Oregon Tech, however, went on a 24-11 run to get the lead back up to 20 with three minutes to go which sealed the victory.

Senior guard Levell Hesia scored 27 points and dished out six assists to lead the Owls. Ryan Fiegi added 20 points, six rebounds and three assists. Oregon Tech shot 48% from the floor and made 14 of 34 three point baskets for 41%. Both Hesia and Josh Garrett made four three shots for the Owls.

Northwood was led by Cory McJimson who scored 23 points. Baree Ward netted 20 and teammate Marvin Owens added 10. The Seahawks shot 44% from the floor but struggled from the perimeter, converting just 3 of 13 three point baskets for 23%. Making their first ever trip to the national tournament, Northwood ends their season with a 23-9 overall record.

Oregon Tech advances to the second round on Friday, March 9 at noon, where they will play #10 Indiana Wesleyan, who defeated Aquinas College earlier in the day, 80-54. The Owls will move on with a 28-4 record.

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