March 16, 2006

Kansas City, Mo. - Seventh-seeded Oklahoma City University wasted no time in eliminating Columbia College (Mo.) 91-64 in the opening round of the 69^th Annual Buffalo Funds - NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament.  The 32-team, single-elimination tournament runs March 15-21 at Municipal Auditorium.

Oklahoma City trailed only once in the game, at the 16-minute mark, before mounting an offensive attack to take a 50-33 lead at intermission.  The Stars shot 62.5% from the field during the first half including five of nine three-pointers.  With the victory, Oklahoma City improves to 26-7 and advances to face Houston Baptist University (Texas) on Friday at 6:15 p.m. 

Columbia could get no closer than 16 points in the second half as the Cougars struggled from the floor.  Shooting just 37.5%, Columbia was only 1-for-15 from behind the arc.  Oklahoma City led by as many as 30 points late in the second half and traded baskets to finish out the game.  

OCU's Lorenzo Gordon and Dawud Drew led all scores with 20 points each.  Three other Star players finished in double figures to round out the offensive attack.  Denis Pease recorded a game-high eight rebounds.

Columbia was led junior Bryant Chambley with 17 points and seven rebounds.  Terrance Smith ended his last game as a Cougar with 13 points.

Columbia ends its season with a 24-10 record and completed its 12^th appearance in the national tournament.