March 9, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - Defending champion College of the Ozarks (Mo.) became the second unseeded team to earn a spot in the Elite Eight as they defeat Spalding College (Ky.),66-61, in the quarterfinal 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.).

The defending champion Bobcats took the lead for good behind a 15-4 run halfway through the first half. College of the Ozarks extended the lead to nine, 35-26, by intermission. Spalding managed to cut the deficit down to four, 45-49, before the host Bobcats put the game away in the closing minutes.

College of the Ozarks was led by Michael Bonaparte who recorded a double-double with 32 points and 13 rebounds. The senior made10 of 18 field goal attempts and went 11-13 from the free throw line. Daniel Bandy was the only other Bobcat player in double figures with 10. The defending champions shot 44% from the field but struggled from the three point arc, making just 3-11 attempts (27%).

Spalding was once again led by Chartea'l Hall who scored 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Hall is the tournament's leading scorer after two games with 59 points. The Golden Eagles struggled from the perimeter, shooting 25% from beyond the arc.

College of the Ozarks improves to 22-10 overall and will face #11 Northwestern College (Iowa) in a quarterfinal game on Saturday at 6:00 pm. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 13.