MCPHERSON, KS

Tonight the Tigers hosted the Southwestern Christian University Eagles at the Jerry Alexander Arena for the NCCAA Regional Championship Final, where the winner would go to the NCCAA National Tournament, hosted by Grace College, in Winona Lake, IN. Unfortunately, the game ended in a 77-73 win for the Eagles leaving the Tigers with no National Tournament bid.

It was entertaining. It was hectic. It was tense. A full-on battle right from the beginning. The game was very back and forth, where you could not write off the loser until the bitter end. The Eagles bench proved to be the key to the contest, scoring 41 points out of the 77.

The best performers out of the Tigers were Isaiah Rivera, who scored 25 points, 4 rebounds in 37 minutes, and Darrell Bryant, who also scored 25 points and 8 rebounds in 34 minutes.

On the visitors, the best performers were York Benjamin (16 PTS, 8 REB, 3 TO, 21 MIN off the bench), Derek Dantzler (15 PTS, 9 REB, 3 STL, 28 MIN), Bralen Patterson (10 PTS, 100% FG, 18 MIN off the bench), and Khristien White (9 PTS, 3 A, 27 MIN).

This heartbreaking finish should not cloud over the very good season the Tigers had, especially towards the end of it. The physical efforts the team had to go through, as well as not being sound enough at times in the season, were huge obstacles that the Tigers will need to work to overcome them come next season.

Great Season Tigers. We are proud of you.