March 9, 2006

Warner Pacific (Ore.) earned the final spot in the second round with an 83-73 win over Holy Names University (Calif.) in the first round of the 15th 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.).

After trailing early in the first half, Warner Pacific went on a 20-6 run to take a 24-14 lead. Holy Names cut the lead to 39-35 by halftime and took the lead minutes into the second half, 46-44. The Knights of Warner Pacific however regained the lead for good at the ten minute mark, 61-60. A late Hawk rally cut the lead to one, 74-73, with 2:06 left but Warner Pacific scored the final nine points to advance to the second round.

Seventh seeded Warner Pacific, making their first ever appearance in the national tournament, had five players score in double figures. Senior Garland Perry led the way with 20 points and six rebounds. Senior Donny Woods recorded a double-double with 16 points and seven rebounds. He also dished out six assists. Despite shooting just 6% from the three point line (1/16), the Knights shot 48% from the field for the game and committed just 11 turnovers. The Cascade Collegiate Conference Regular-Season Champion joins fellow conference school Oregon Tech in the second round. They advance with a 24-8 record.

Holy Names was led by NAIA Division I transfer Marshal Hartman with 24 points. The California Pacific Conference Newcomer-of-the-Year made 10 of 20 field goals. Junior Julius Cumlat netted 12 points and dished out a game-high nine assists. Sophomore Josh Dozier recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 boards. The Hawks qualified for the national tournament for their fifth time and first since 2002. They were the California Pacific Conference Tournament Champion and end their season with a 23-11 record.

Warner Pacific will play tenth seeded Morningside College (Iowa) in the second round on Friday, March 10 at 9:15 pm. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 14.

Box Score