Men's Basketball
The Patriots Men's Basketball Team advanced to the 2007 NCCAA National Tournament with an 86-74 victory over Central Baptist College in the Central Region Championship, Saturday afternoon. With the win, DBU improved 12-18 and picked up their first ever Central Region Championship, while CBC fell to 10-14.
Head Coack Blake Flickner stated, "I'm proud of the way our guys competed this weekend. Oklahoma Wesleyan, Ecclesia College, Southwest Assemblies of God, and Central Baptist all played very well and it made for a very competitive tournament. Both games we played could have gone either way, but I'm pleased with the effort we played with. We had two very difficult games, and the style and pace of each game was unique. Our guys showed they can win in an up and down fast paced game and in a grind it out execution game, which is the mark of a good team. Our guys responded well to the challenge and different guys stepped up each night and made big plays."
The Patriots, who trailed one time the entire game, played hard nose defense and shot 50% from the field to secure the victory. CBC would try to make runs with the three-point shot, but DBU would contest every shot making it difficult for the Mustangs to get in a rhythm from beyond the arch.
DBU, who held a 47-43 lead at the half, outscored the Mustangs by eight in the second half by forcing CBC to commit nine turnovers, which led to several easy baskets for the Patriots.
Another key component to the victory was DBU's free throw shooting, who hit 14 out 18 free throws, including several toward the end of the game when CBC was force to start fouling.
Leading the Patriots to victory was the trio of Juniors Dwight Coleman and Nick Michels, and Sophomore Brandon Wash. Coleman scored 18 points and grabbed 12 boards, while Michels led all scorers with 21 points; he also grabbed seven boards, and dished out six assists. Wash contributed with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
Flickner continued, "It was a privilege to be able to host the regional tournament, and I'm excited to be among the final 8 teams competing for a national championship. We have tried to distinguish our program with a unique Christ-centered approach to athletics and it is a joy to be able to compete with other like-minded schools. I am proud of our guys and the way they have represented DBU and our Lord throughout this season."
The Patriots will make their first trip ever to the NCCAA National Championship Tournament, when they take the court on Thursday, March 15. The tournament will be held in Oakland City , Indianapolis on March 15-17.
