Fourth seeded Walsh University (OH) became the first seed to fall, when they were upset 66-59 by Northwood University (FL) in quarterfinals of the 17th annual NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championships. For Walsh, it marked the second straight year that they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Northwood, in just their second NAIA championship appearance, advances to the Elite 8 for the first time.
Walsh, the NAIA’s top three-point shooting team, never found the range, but led 30-28 at halftime, after erasing an eight-point (18-10) deficit. Walsh would shoot only .296 (8-27) from the behind the arc.
Walsh appeared to take control in the second half, when they snapped a 36-36 tie with a 12-4 run, keyed by back-to-back three pointers from freshman Jeremy Shardo (6-3, Yorkshire, OH/versailles). Walsh led 48-40 with 11:34 to play when the Seahawks came to life.
Northwood would hold Walsh without a basket for 6:46 and take a 56-49 lead on the strength of a 16-1 run. Marvin Owens’ three-pointer with 6:32 to play snapped a 49-49 tie and gave Northwood the lead for good at 52-49.
Walsh would rally and cut the lead to two points at 61-59 on basket by Eder Araujo (7-0, Sr., Sao Paulo, Brazil/Odete de Freitas) with 1:03 play. It appeared Walsh would catch a break when Seven Ezumba missed a open dunk, but Brad Haugabrook tapped the rebound back and was fouled with 40 seconds to play. He stepped to the line and knocked down two foul shots to give Northwood a 63-59 lead. Northwood’s Tim Clark would then rebound an Araujo miss to seal the win.
Northwood’s Seven Ezumba led all scorers with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Owens added 17. Eder Araujo led Walsh with 19 points and 8 rebounds.
Northwood improves to 27-7 and plays the winner of the Northwestern (Iowa)/Oklahoma Wesleyan game at 3 pm on Saturday. Walsh finishes their season at 26-5.
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