March 9, 2006

Lindenwood University (Mo.), the eighth seed, held off unseeded Dordt College (Iowa) and defeated the Defenders 66-58 in the final game of the first day of the 15^th Annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. The 2006 event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

Lindenwood used a 14-4 run early in the first half to turn a five point deficit into a 14-9 lead. The Lions continued to lead throughout the first half and held a 30-25 advantage at the intermission. Lindenwood increased their lead to 47-37 with under eight minutes to play when Dordt went on a 15-7 run to cut the lead to two, 54-52. A three point basket by Ryan Brown put the lead back up to five and Dordt would get no closer than three the rest of the way as Lindenwood holds on to get the win.

Lindenwood was led by senior Johnny Viehland who recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Fellow senior Justin Shrake added 13 for the Lions, who improve to 24-9 on the season. Lindenwood shot 46% from the field, 31% from beyond the arc. The Lions are making their second national tournament appearance and first since 2000.

Dordt was led by senior Luke Ruter who was the only Defender in double figures with 25 points. Ruter was 7-15 from the field and hit five three point baskets while making  6-7 from the foul line. Brandon Haan scored a seven points and pulled down 11 rebounds despite being in foul trouble throughout. The Defenders shot just 32% from the field but outrebounded the Lions 36-33. Dordt, who was making their second tournament appearance, received an at-large bid and is the second GPAC team to be eliminated from the tournament (Montreat def. Sioux Falls 93-83). They end their season with a 22-10 overall mark.

Lindenwood will play Taylor University in the second round on Friday, March 10 at 8:30 am. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 14.

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