March 20, 2008

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Justin Williams hit a three-pointer with three seconds remaining in overtime to give Oklahoma Baptist University a 71-70 victory against No. 14 Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.) Thursday in the first round of the 2008 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship at Municipal Auditorium.

The unseeded Bison trailed 70-66 with 40 seconds remaining in the overtime period when Brian Hill sank two free throws to bring Oklahoma Baptist within 70-68. After Auburn Montgomery missed on its next possession, Oklahoma Baptist worked the ball around to Williams, who hit his game-winning shot from the right side. That marked the last of 25 lead changes in the contest. There were also 18 ties in Thursday's opening contest.

With the win, Oklahoma Baptist moves to 23-9 overall and advances to Friday's second round. The Bison will face either Lambuth University (Tenn.) or Saint Xavier University (Ill.) Friday at 12:30 p.m. CST.

Brent Jones led the way for Oklahoma Baptist with 20 points, while Hill finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Williams scored his 11 points in a reserve role, while Aaron Perez grabbed a team-leading 12 rebounds.

Late in the second half, Auburn Montgomery's Joshua Randall made two free throws to give the Senators a 60-59 lead with 53 seconds on the clock. Oklahoma Baptist countered when Al Moore scored on a basket and free throw with 36 seconds remaining to push the Bison back in front 62-60. Auburn Montgomery ran the clock down for a shot, but missed. Randall grabbed the offensive rebound, scored and was fouled with six seconds to play, tying the game at 62-62. Randall missed the free throw and the Bison could not get a final shot away, sending the contest into overtime.

Randall led all players with 25 points and a tournament-high 23 rebounds for Auburn Montgomery. Quadavious Brown connected for 16 points, while Kip Small produced 13 points, five assists and six steals. The Senators finished the year with an overall record of 19-9.

- NAIA -
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.