A pair of GPAC men’s basketball teams came up on the short end in the opening round of the NAIA national tourney in Point Lookout, Missouri, Wednesday.
Day one’s final game showcased tremendous outside shooting as No.5 College of Idaho defeated No.4 Dakota Wesleyan 98-93.
The teams combined for 26 three-pointers, tied for third most all-time at the D-II Championship.
The game featured scoring runs by both teams with College of Idaho in front for most of the game. Consecutive three-pointers by Talon Pinckney put the Coyotes in front by 13 (28-15) early but a 13-3 DWU run, led by junior Jason Spicer, brought the lead down to just two, 44-42, at the break.
Dakota Wesleyan grabbed its only lead after a basket by senior point guard Tate Martin in the opening moments of the second half.
No. 3 Northwest Christian (Ore.) makes a return trip to Friday’s second round with a 91-78 win over No. 6 Midland (Neb.).
A tight first half saw Northwest Christian head to intermission with a 44-40 advantage. Midland stayed close throughout the half as Diamontae McKinley had 16 points, knocking down five three-pointers, and Alex Starkel, who contributed 14 and eight rebounds.
McKinley had a game-high 24 points for Midland and Starkel finished his stellar career with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Warriors struggled from beyond the arc, especially in the second half where they were just 1-for-11.
