March 13, 2006

No. 2 seed Huntington University (Ind.) had to withstand a late rally by unseeded MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.), but they responded to post a 78-68 win to advance to the championship 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.).

Both teams were feeling each other out early, with neither gaining much of an advantage. But with the score 16-15 in favor of Huntington, the momentum began to turn the Foresters' way. They outscored the Pioneers, 15-4, to take a 12 point lead and stretched the margin to 16 (43-27) at the break. That lead grew to 20 early in the second half, but the gutsy Pioneers would not go away.

MidAmerica Nazarene, playing in their record 11th tournament, slowly started to climb back in, trimming the deficit to 10 points at the 12:25 mark and getting as close as four on two occasions late in the game. But the Foresters answered the challenge with a 14-8 run to close the contest.

Doug Sheckler (19 points) played a key role in stopping the Pioneers' late threat, with 14 second half points and three blocked shots. The Foresters were led by Kyle Ganton's 22 points and eight rebounds. Alex Kock added 19 points and five assists, while Kyle Benge chipped in with nine points off the bench. Jared Yoder continued his strong tournament play with five points, five rebounds, and five assists. The Pioneers shot 50% from the field, including a 59% showing in the first half, and converted 24 of 26 free throw attempts.

Jacob Nellor led the way for the Pioneers with 20 points, Adam Hepker added 16 points and eight assists, while Akuien Wour and Danny Hawkins scored 10 points apiece. Hawkins also had a team high eight rebounds. The Pioneers shot just 41% from the field on the night. This was the second semifinal appearance for MidAmerica, having earned a runner-up finish in 2001.

Huntington, making their sixth tournament appearance, will play in their first title game against the winner of Monday's other semifinal between #4 College of the Ozarks (Mo.) and #8 Lindenwood University (Mo.). The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 14.

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