Feb. 27, 2010

Box Score

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - In a game that came down to the final seconds, it was the free-throws from Aquinas that made the difference as DU fell 55-53 in the WHAC Semifinals on Saturday afternoon. The loss sends Davenport to 23-9 on the year as they will hope for an at-large bid to the National Tournament in Point Lookout, MO.

Looking to make it to their first ever WHAC Championship game next week, the Panthers came out fast with a 12-7 lead after 7:32 of play. James Nelson (New Haven, Mich.) got things started with two straight baskets and the score was upped by Max Prendergast (Grand Rapids, Mich.) with two field goals of his own.

The Saints rallied though and used an 11-5 run over the next 3:41 to take a one point lead. Davenport countered with a 12-5 run to end the half that was finished off with a great defensive stop by Lonnie Fairfax (Livonia, Mich.) who took the ball the length of the floor for a 29-23 lead at the break.

After two early field goals by each team, the Saints used an 8-2 run to tie the game at 33 but could not muster enough offense to take a lead. The two teams were never separated by more than four points as the Panthers held the lead for much of the second half.

With 4:05 to play. Aquinas hit an inside shot to tie the game at 47 but two possessions later after some missed chances by the Saints, DU got a huge three ball from James Nelson to take a 50-47 lead.

Unfortunately it would be their last lead as AQ scored eight straight points (six via the foul line) to take a 55-50 lead. A last gasp three pointer at the buzzer by Mario Scott (Grand Rapids, Mich.) was all DU could get in but they fell 55-53 on their home floor.

Mario Scott led the Panthers with 12 points as he was the only DU player to reach double-figures. James Nelson chipped in with nine points and Nathan Cox posted nine points and eight rebounds.

The team stats were almost identical between the two teams they AQ finished 41% from the floor while the Panthers were 40%. Aquinas made 19 shots compared to 21 for the Panthers but the difference came at the free-throw line as the Saints made 15 compared to just seven for DU.

Davenport (23-9) will now hope to receive one of eight at-large bids to the NAIA National Tournament from March 10-16 in Point Lookout, MO. Being ranked #19 is good for DU as the at-large bids are handed out to those who don't automatically qualify in order of ranking. The selection show is Wednesday afternoon and more details will follow.