Men's Basketball
Box Score
The Patriots were unable to overcome the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals in the championship game and finish runner-up in the Heartland Conference Championship Tournament. The Patriots were defeated by the Cardinals on Saturday night in the Heartland Conference Championship game, 67-55.
With the loss, the Patriots fall to 23-6 on the season. The Cardinals end the Patriots 11 game winning streak with tight defense and physical play.
The Cardinals took the early lead in the first half increasing it to as many as 16 points midway through. The Patriots were able to fight their way back within striking distance before halftime to trail by only nine points in a defensive battle, 34-25.
The Patriots started the second half scoring first and looked to be on the verge of making a run for the lead, but the Cardinals had something to say as they quickly extended their lead to 13, 42-29. Pierce Caldwell led the Cardinal offense with 18 points on the night.
DBU made a late run to get as close as five points from the lead, but the Cardinals were able to hold on to defeat the Patriots, 67-55.
Freshman
Jordan McGowen finished with 10 points, 2 rebounds, two steals, and one assist in the loss.
Senior Shelby Lewis and Sophomore Braxton Adamson for the Patriots received All-Tournament Team honors for their play during the two games in the Heartland Conference Tournament.
Lewis ended the championship game with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and four steals. He posted an impressive 10 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in the semi-final game on Friday against St. Mary's University.
Adamson finished the game against UIW with 10 points and three rebounds, after he contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and three steals in the Patriot semi-final win over the St. Mary's Rattlers.
The University of the Incarnate Word received an automatic bid into the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament with the championship victory.
The Patriots look to the Tournament Selection Show on Sunday, March 8 to see if they will possibly receive an at large bid into the tournament after posting a 23-6 record for the season.
