March 10, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - Mayville State (N.D.) ended the Cinderella run of Florida Memorial as they defeated the Lions, 88-72, in the last game of the quarterfinal round of the 16th-Annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. With the win, the Comets secure the final berth in the 2007 Elite Eight. The 2007 event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

In a first half which featured nine lead changes, Mayville State went on the first big run and turned a 7-point deficit into a 32-29 halftime lead. Both teams struggled to find their shooting touch in the first half, as both teams shot just 35%. Although the Lions remained close early in the second half, the Comets surged ahead by double digits with five minutes left in the contest. Mayville clinched the game going 9-9 from the free throw line in the closing minutes.

Mayville State shot 47% from the floor, 35% from beyond the arc in the win. For the second straight night, the Comets held the advantage at the free throw line, making 24-36 free throw attempts. Ronald Howard led Mayville State with 28 points. Monty Rogers added 21 points and a game-high 13 rebounds for the Comets. Defensively, Mayville limited Florida Memorial to just 39% from the field.

Florida Memorial was once again led by Tramaine Stevens, the nation's leading scorer, with 24 points. Andre Beuford and Daniel Garcia scored 20 and 14 points, respectively. The Lions were making just their second appearance ever at the national tournament and close the season with a 16-13 mark.

Mayville State moves on with a 25-8 overall record. They will advance to the Elite Eight where they will face #12 Cedarville (Ohio) on Saturday at 8:00 pm. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 13.