March 13, 2008

Fourth seeded Walsh University advanced to the second round of the 17th annual NAIA Division II Men's Basketball National Championships, defeating Judson University (Ill.) 91-57.  For Walsh, it was their fourth straight first round win and largest NAIA Tournament win.  Judson was making its first appearance at the championships.  The event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

 

Walsh, the NAIA's top three-point shooting team, came out on fire in the first half, connecting on 17-33 (.515) from the floor and 5-9 (.556) from behind the arc in building a 46-27 halftime lead. Seven-foot senior Eder Araujo scored 14 of his 17 points in the first half for Walsh, who led by as many 23 points (44-21).

 

Walsh erased any hopes of a Judson comeback in the second half, as they connected on three straight from behind the arc to increase their lead to 55-27 in the first two minutes.  The Cavs opened the second half with a 22-3 run (68-30), to safely tuck away the first round win.

 

Walsh Sophomore Kyecle Cescato led all scorers with 20 points, while also grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds.  Corey Jones, the top three-point shooter in the NAIA, connected on 4-6 from beyond the arc and finished with 16 points.  Brandon Speck and Joe Shardo each scored 10 points off the bench, and Brandon Weems dished out seven assists. 

 

Judson, who finishes the season at 19-9, was led by DeWayne Robinson's 13 points.  Steffan Williams added 11 points and Joe Gonnam 8 rebounds. 

 

Walsh improves to 26-4 and takes their five-game win streak to second round against Northwood University (FL) on Friday at 12 pm.  Northwood (26-7) defeated Bluefield (Va.) 88-86 in the first game of the second round earlier today.  The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 18.