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03.09.05 -
The Jets of Newman University (22-9) blew away the #9-seeded
Foresters with a 55-point second half to earn the first round 85-76
upset in the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Tournament.
HC jumped out to an early 10-2 lead, but Newman fought back to take
a 24-22 lead with under seven minutes to play. The Foresters
then closed out the half with a 12-6 run to take a 34-30 lead at the
break. HC looked to be finding its rhythm as the second half
began, building a 52-42 advantage with just over 11 minutes left in
the game. A couple of critical turnovers and missed field
goals seemed to ignite the Jet shooters. The Elliott brothers,
Seth and Cole, hit back-to-back threes midway through a 25-5 Newman
run that put the Jets up 67-57 with just over four minutes to play.
HC's Alex Kock got a couple put backs to draw the Foresters back
within 67-63, but that was as close as they would get. HC was
forced to foul over the final minute and a half to try to get back
in the game, but the Jets knocked down enough free throws to give
the Foresters their earliest exit from the tournament in five tries.
The loss overshadowed an outstanding effort by HC's Chase Verba, who
seemed to be everywhere at times. He finished with a
double-double in the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Kock
also added his own double-double with 14 points and 12 boards for
the Foresters. Steve Snider led HC with 17 points, Kyle Ganton
had 11, and Doug Sheckler added 10 off the bench. For Newman,
Seth Elliott dropped in 17 while Cole Elliott added 16. The
Foresters conclude their season with a 22-11 record.
Box Score
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