March 8, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - The Cinderella story continues for unseeded Florida Memorial as they upset #4 Huntington University (Ind.), 67-64, 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.).

Florida Memorial led by 13 with six minutes remaining before Huntington rallied and cut the lead down to one, 62-61, with under two minutes to play. Tramaine Stevens hit a jumper to put Florida Memorial back up three and then the Lions made just enough free throws down the stretch to clinch the upset win.

Tramaine Stevens, the leading scorer in the NAIA averaging 27 points per game, led the Lions with 24 points. Andre Beauford added 13 points while Andre Thomas recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Florida Memorial shot just 37% from the field but forced 18 Huntington turnovers which led to 21 points to propel them to the victory.

Huntington was led by three-time Mid-Central College Conference Player-of-the-Year Alex Kock with 26 points. The senior also led his team with 14 rebounds. Kyle Ganton added 14 points for the Foresters. Leading the NAIA in three point percentage (43%), Huntington made just 3 of 13 from beyond the arc for 23%. The Foresters were making their sixth straight trip to the national tournament and reached the championship game in 2006 where they lost to College of the Ozarks. They end their season with a 29-5 record.

Florida Memorial advances to the second round with a 16-12 record. The Lions, who are making their second appearance to the national tournament, will face either #13 Mayville State (N.D.) or William Penn (Iowa) in the final game on Friday, March 9, at 9:45 pm.

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