March 8, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - #12 Cedarville University (Ohio) defeated Evangel University (Mo.), 97-83, 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.).

It was unseeded Evangel which controlled much of the opening half, leading by as much as nine in the first 20 minutes. Cedarville, however, managed to take a slim 38-36 lead into the locker room. The Yellow Jackets continued to roll in the second half as they shot 58% from the floor and made 22 of 29 free throw attempts.

Cedarville was led by Ryan Short who scored a game-high 27 points. Ricardo Alliman registered a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Yellow Jackets shot 51% for the game despite making just 3 of 18 three point baskets. One of the NAIA's top rebounding teams, Cedarville held a 42-34 advantage on the glass and made twice as many free throws as Evangel.

Four Evangel players scored in double figures, led by Tim Dial with 24 points. Jackson Capel scored 21, making 4 of 12 three point baskets. Shane Nicholson added 17 points and dished out eight assists. The Crusaders shot just 27% from the three point line. Playing in their sixth national tournament, Evangel ends their season with a 20-13 overall record.

Cedarville is the third American Mideast Conference team to advance to the second round, joining Mount Vernon Nazarene and Walsh in the Sweet Sixteen. The Yellow Jackets improve to 22-7 and will face #5 Warner Pacific at 7:30 pm on Friday, March 9.

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