March 10, 2007

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - #13 Mayville State (N.D.) escaped with a 82-81 victory over #12 Cedarville (Ohio) in the final game of quarterfinal round of the 16th Annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. The Comets advance to their first ever semifinals and fill the final spot in this year's Final Four. The 2007 event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

The closest game of the day, Cedarville staged a frantic second half comeback attempt from a 13-point deficit. Mayville State took the lead for good with 5:51 to go in the first half, 35-34. The Comets outscored the Yellow Jackets 13-1 over a two minute span to take their largest lead of 13 right before intermission. Cedarville managed to cut the lead down to two by the 12 minute mark of the second half and got as close as one with 3:37 to go. Comet forward Matthew Stenehjem scored off an offensive putback to put the Comet lead back up to three but a Cedarville basket by Eric Leininger made it a one-point game again with 1:50 left to play. Both teams failed to score on their ensuing possessions and with Mayville State leading by one, Leininger missed a three pointer during the closing seconds to seal the Comet victory.

Mayville State was led by Ronald Howard with 26 points and seven rebounds. Monty Rogers totaled 20 points and leads the tournament with 80 points in three games. The Comets struggled from the field, shooting just 46% from the field and 24% from beyond the arc.

Three Cedarville players scored in double figures led by Ricardo Alliman with 16. Guy Rathmell and Eric Leininger each added 12 points. Rathmell pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds. The Yellow Jackets made just 9-32 three point shots for 28% and shot 42% for the game. Cedarville finishes the season with a 23-8 overall record.

Mayville State moves on to play #16 Northwest (Wash.) in a Final Four matchup on Monday, March 12 at 6:00 pm. The Comets advance to their first ever semifinals with a 26-8 overall mark. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 13, with the championship game to tip-off at 8:30 pm.