March 8, 2006

The host school and fourth seed College of the Ozarks defeated Dominican (Calif.) 69-60 in the opening round of the 15th Annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Championship. The 2006 championship is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (Mo.)

The host Bobcats led 29-25 after the first 20 minutes and outscored Dominican by five in the second half in a solid performance by the fourth seed. College of the Ozarks dominated the boards, outrebounding the Penguins 41-33 for the game.

Three players scored in double figures for College of the Ozarks, led by junior forward Michael Bonaparte with 24 points and nine rebounds. Bonaparte made 7 of 17 field goals and went 10 for 13 from the charity stripe. Junior guard Heath Sitton netted 18 points while freshman Corey Stone made 3 of 8 three point field goals and totaled 11 points. The Bobcats shot 43% from the field and will advance to the second round for the first time since 2003. College of the Ozarks is making their seventh straight and 10th total appearance in the national tournament. The Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Champions improve to 25-6 on the season.

Dominican University was led by three-time California Pacific Conference player-of-the-year David Moore who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. The 2005 NAIA All-American was 9 of 18 from the field in 31 minutes of play. Senior guard Gene Barnes was the only other Penguin player in double figures with 16 points, including 3-9 three point baskets. Dominican shot 41% from the field and just 25% from beyond the arc. The Penguins, who were making their fourth national tournament appearance, received an at-large berth to qualify for the championship. They end their season with an 18-12 overall record.

College of the Ozarks will play William Jewell College (Mo.) in the second round on Friday, March 10, at 7:30 pm. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 14.

Box Score