Seahawks Punch Their Ticket To The Round Of Eight
POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. – The No. 2 Northwood University Seahawks (32-3) advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA Division II National Tournament, held on the campus of the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo., after defeating Dakota Wesleyan University (24-9) 65-58.
This is the second time in the program’s five year history that Northwood has advanced to the round of eight. Last time the Seahawks got this far back in 2008, they were defeated by Northwestern University 96-70. Overall, NU is 5-4 at the National Tournament and has gone to Branson for five consecutive years.
Aside from the first bucket of the game, the blue and white held the lead for the remainder of regulation. The lead was as large as 15 at the 11 minute mark of the first half, but DWU brought it within 8 at the half.
With just over 5 minutes left in the game, the Tigers seemed to have momentum going in their favor. They found themselves within 4 of the Seahawks at the 5:50 mark with both big forwards Patrick Horstmann and Courtney Walters with 4 fouls apiece. Senior Melvin Calhoun drilled a 3-point shot to put the flock up by 7. Seconds later, Calhoun stole the inbounds pass for an easy layup under the basket, extending the lead to 9 and breaking the back of the Tigers.
Jonathan Dunn tied the Tigers Brady Wiebe with 19 points on the game. Patrick Horstmann had the best game for his team, tabbing a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards. Noah Keeton sank 3 shots from behind the arch and finished with 13 points. Tyrone Davis provided the defensive spark that the Seahawks needed to fend off DWU. He picked up 2 steals and 5 assistis.
Aside from Wiebe’s 19 for the Tigers, Chase Walder contributed 11 in the effort.
Northwood will play tomorrow at 8 pm CST against the winner of the Oklahoma Wesleyan and Eastern Oregon game, which will be played tonight at 9:15 CST.