Spartans fall in NAC Tournament Championship

AURORA, Ill. March 1, 2008 - The Muskies of Lakeland College defeated the Spartans of Aurora University 82-77 in overtime on Saturday afternoon at AU’s Thornton Gymnasium to capture their first Northern Athletics Conference championship.

Lakeland went up early in the first half, extending the lead to 14 with 7:30 remaining in the first half. Aurora was eventually able to pick up its play and close the gap to three points at the intermission, with Lakeland leading 34-31.

The Muskies were led by senior guard Kris Saiberlich, who had nine first half points. Another notable first half performance belonged to senior forward Danny Ehnert, who pulled down 10 rebounds in the opening twenty minutes. Aurora was led in the first half by junior guard Chad Trudo, who had 11 points on three-of-six shooting from the field.

Five minutes into the second half, a Trudo three-pointer tied the game for the first time since the five and a half minute mark in the opening half. On the next possession, another Trudo three-pointer gave the Spartans the lead for the first time all game, 42-39.

But the Spartan lead didn’t last long, as Lakeland was able to recapture the lead, 46-44, with 12:15 left in the game. A quick Aurora three-pointer marked another lead change, and the Spartans took the 47-46 lead. The Spartans would not trail again in regulation but would find themselves locked in a 67-67 tie when the regulation buzzer went off.

The overtime turned out to benefit the visiting Muskies, who had already battled through two hard fought OT victories in the conference tournament. Lakeland would outlast the Spartans 82-77 and earn their first Northern Athletics Conference Tournament championship.

The final totals had Saiberlich finish with a game high 27 points. The senior was 10-of-10 from the free throw line, including a couple of clutch free throws during the overtime period. Ehnert finished the game with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds and senior guard Aaron Regal finished with 15 points on 4-of-10 shooting from the field.

The Spartans were led by Trudo’s 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field, including 6-of-12 from three-point range. Senior forward Larry Welton had a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. Aurora shot just 31.3 percent (21-of-67) from the field for the game.

With the loss Aurora’s record drops to 22-6 overall, while the Muskies improve to 17-11.

Even with the loss, the Spartans remain hopeful for postseason play. They now wait word from the 2008 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championships selection committee on a possible bid into the 2008 tournament field. Announcement will be made on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.