March 9, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - The top seeds continue to fall as #12 Cedarville (Ohio) upsets #5 Warner Pacific (Ore.), 86-75, 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.).

Leading for almost the entire game, Cedarville held their biggest lead at halftime, 47-28. The Knights, however, mounted a second-half comeback and cut the deficit down to four (69-73) with under a minute left. The Yellow Jackets held off the Warner Pacific rally by going 11-11 from the free throw line in the final 40 seconds and advance to their third Elite Eight in the past five years.

Cedarville was led by Guy Rathmell with 29 points and eight rebounds. He was a perfect 4-4 from the three point line and 7-7 from the charity stripe. Maicol Venter recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Yellow Jackets dominate the glass against Warner Pacific, 52-34, including 15 offensive rebounds. Cedarville excelled from the free throw line, making 34-40 attempts for 85%.

The Knights were led by guard Scott O'Gallagher who scored a new 2007 tournament high 37 points. In two games, the junior totaled 69 points and dished out 10 assists. O'Gallagher was 12-24 from the field and 9-10 from the free throw line. Warner Pacific was ice cold from the floor, shooting just 33% from the floor. The Knights finish the season with an overall record of 28-5.

Cedarville will advance to their third Elite Eight appearance and will face either #13 Mayville State (N.D.) or the Cinderella team of the 2007 tournament, Florida Memorial, in the quarterfinal game on Saturday at 8:00 pm. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 13.