March 12, 2008

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - Bellevue University (Neb.) showed why there were the number one seed with a 111-52 win over the College of St. Joseph (Vt.) in the first round of the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship.  The 59-point win is the largest win in the national tournament since the start in 1992.  The previous record was a 55-point win by Siena Heights in 2001, 121-66, over Lyndon State (Vt.).

After St. Joseph's hit an opening three-pointer to start the game, Bellevue scored the next 11 points and never looked back.  Bellevue held St. Josephs to just six shots made in the first half (25%).  By the 7:43 mark, Bellevue built a 20-point lead, 30-10, and only allowed another 15 points the rest of the half.

Bellevue's offense shot 63% in the second half and took a 60-point lead, 105-45, with 1:49 left in the game. The Bruins also established a new tournament record with 45 field goals in a single game, breaking the old mark of 44 by Hastings (Neb.)vs Husson (Maine) set back in 1995.

Bellevue's defense was a major factor in the win as they held St. Josephs to just 28% from the floor and 18% from beyond the arc.  The Bruins forced 28 turnovers with 16 steals and out-rebounded the Fighting Saints, 40-18.

Five players scored in double figures for Bellevue (30-3) as Cy Carlson scored a career-high 13 points.  Klaye Rowe, Jerrod Tucker, and Hannibal Cofield each had 12 points and John Gray added 11.  The Bruins have now won nine games in a row and 17 of their last 18.  This is the fifth time that Bellevue has won a first round game in nine appearances at the national tournament.

Senior Rich Ortega led St. Josephs with 17 points in his final game as a Fighting Saint.  Sophomore Rui Carmo finished with 14 and led the team in rebounding with seven. St. Josephs, making their second appearance in the national tournament, finishes the season at 13-15 and were the Sunrise Conference Tournament Champions.

Bellevue now faces #16 Aquinas College (Mich.) on Friday morning at 10:15 a.m. in the Sweet 16 for a chance to advance unto the Elite Eight. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 13.