Box Score

FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Just because few people expected you to get this far, doesn't mean it hurts any less when the ride comes to an end. The Edgewood College men's basketball team, had chanced to complete their underdog run from seventh seed to NACC Tournament champion, but top-seeded Marian University held off the Eagles to deny them the crown. Edgewood College was playing in its third NACC championship game in the past four seasons.

After trailing by six points at halftime, Edgewood College (13-15) shook off some early turnovers in the second half to build an 8-1 run to take a 36-35 lead. Joe Klocek hit a three to start the surge and Justin Williamsfollowed with a mid-range jump shot. Dylan Rusch put the Eagles on top with a drive and a three-point play.

However, the Sabres answered with 15-6 run which put Marian University (22-6) ahead 50-42, their biggest lead of the second half. That was the moment when the Sabres shaky free throw shooting would start to open the door for the Eagles. Marian went 1-for-2 in their final six trips to the free throw line, which allowed the Eagles to stay within striking distance.

Edgewood College was within one possession after a three-pointer from Klocek and a pair of free throws by Brett Meinecke cut the Sabres lead to 52-49 with 7:19 to play. At that point Williams, a senior from Milwaukee put the Eagles on his back. He scored 10 of Edgewood College's next 11 points, the last of which brought the Eagles within 62-60 with 1:42 to play. The Eagles nearly went ahead on the next possession, but a three-point attempt from Tal Diekvossmissed the mark, and Mike Keller converted for Marian on the other end for a 64-60 lead with 27 seconds left to play.

On the next possession, Kloeck tried a three-point shot, and Meinecke was fouled on the rebound. The senior made 1-for-2 free throw attempts, and the Eagles sent Marian's Drew Binversie to the free throw line with a chance to make it a two-possession game. Binversie connected on one of two attempts, but it was enough, as Edgewood College turned the ball over on their final possession of the season.

Williams dominated in the second half scoring 14 of his game-high 19 points after halftime. Rusch scored 13 points, while Diekvoss added eight points. Klocek and Meinecke each had a team-high six rebounds. The Eagles shot 52.6 percent in the second half and 45.7 percent for the game.

Marian was led by Binversie with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting and a game-high seven rebounds. Jeff Harris and Josh Creed came off the bench to score 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Sabres shot 42.9 percent in advancing to their first NCAA Division III Tournament since 2001.

Edgewood College closes the book on the season at 13-15 and also the careers of three seniors, Williams, Meinecke and Luther Tarver-Burks.