Trae Bergh knocked down nine three-pointers en route to a 29-point effort in leading No. 5 Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) to an 80-51 win over No. 8 Davenport (Mich.) in a semifinal game at the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship.
This year’s event is being played at the Keeter Gymnasium.
Bergh’s long-range shooting heroics matched the second most three-pointers made in a single game, last accomplished by Chris Peterson (Eureka-Ill.) in 1994, and was one shy of matching the record, 10, set by Eric Kline of Northern State (S.D.) in 1995. Bergh made four in the first half, five more in the second half, draining 9-of-his-15 attempts.
“It’s pretty easy to say that Trae is simply special,” DWU coach Matt Wilber said. “He does everything the right way, he is an unbelievable competitor and I just love him. Today was such a big-time performance. Making the shots is one thing, but no one will ever question his effort. It’s a performance for the ages.”
Dakota Wesleyan improves to 32-4 on the year and moves on to play in its first ever national championship game Tuesday night. The Tigers are playing in their seventh Division II Championship and will face Cornerstone of Michigan.
