March 10, 2006

Lindenwood (Mo.) defeated Taylor (Ind.) 74-71in overtime in the first game of the second 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 the entire game, Lindenwood took their first lead, 67-66, with just over two minutes left in the overtime period on a three pointer by Dantwan Chillers. Taylor regained the lead on a three point play by Doug Bell, 69-67 with 1:41 left in the extra period. Both teams exchanged baskets during the next minute before a reverse lay-up by Brooks Williams with 14 seconds left put the Lions up for good, 72-71. After a missed three by Taylor, senior Johnny Viehland hit two free throws with 2.4 seconds left to go up 74-71. Taylor missed a three from half court just before the final buzzer and Lindenwood recorded the thrilling come-from-behind victory.

Lindenwood was led by seniors Justin Shrake and Johnny Viehland who scored 24 and 21 points, respectively. Shrake made of three of six three point shots to give him five total in the two games. The Lions shot 55% from the field, well-above their season average of 45%. Lindenwood recorded their eighth come-from-behind win of the season and advance to the quarterfinal round for the first time in their history.

Taylor was led by the outside-inside combination of R.J. Beucler and Doug Bell. Both seniors, Beucler netted 23 points including five of eight three pointers while Bell did his damage in the paint, scoring 22 points on 8-12 shooting from the field. Senior guard Eric Ford scored 11 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. The Trojans shot 41% from the field and just 29% from the three point line. The 74 points allowed was the fourth most points scored against Taylor this season. The Trojans were making their seventh appearance at the national tournament after receiving an at-large berth. They end their season with a 28-7 overall record.

Lindenwood improves to 25-9 on the season with the win and advances to the quarterfinal round on Saturday. The Lions will face the winner of top-seeded Embry-Riddle University (Fla.) and 16th-seeded Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio). Game time is scheduled for 3:00 pm. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 14.

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