March 16, 2006

Kansas City, Mo. - Unsseded Oklahoma Christian University used a balanced attack to post a 77-70 victory against Lee University (Tenn.) in the opening round of the 69th Annual Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship Thursday at Municipal Auditorium.

Juniors Keith Harris and Micah Miles each scored 17 points, while senior Dillon Ripley was right behind with 16 points as the Eagles reached the tournament's second round for the second year in a row. Miles and Ripley each grabbed a team-leading 10 rebounds to help Oklahoma Christian improve to 22-10 overall. The Eagles will square off with another unseeded team, Texas Wesleyan University, Friday at 2:15 p.m. CST.

In a contest that featured eight ties and 12 lead changes, Oklahoma Christian scored eight consecutive points to grab a 68-63 advantage with 3:48 remaining. Lee, the No. 12 seed in this year's tournament battled back to within three points on a field goal by junior Sir-Lee Mason with 2:10 on the clock, but the Eagles used defense to claim the victory in the closing minute. Oklahoma Christian recorded two blocked shots and a steal in that span.

Senior Kevin Smith sparkled in defeat for Lee with 24 points and a tournament-high 20 rebounds. Mason and sophomore Kellen Pickel each chipped in with 13 points, while Mason also contributed four assists and three steals for the Flame. Lee ends its year with an overall record of 24-10.