The Spurgeon College men's basketball team (23-7) saw their historic season come to a heartbreaking end with a 101-92 loss to North Central (26-5) in the NCCAA DII Men's Basketball National Championship game. Despite a valiant effort, the Knights couldn't overcome North Central's hot shooting in their first-ever appearance in the national title game.
Second Half Surge Not Enough
After trailing 47-39 at halftime, the Knights showed tremendous heart, scoring 53 points in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome North Central's offensive firepower. North Central responded with 54 second-half points of their own to secure the 9-point victory.
Jack Chamberlin led Spurgeon's comeback attempt with a team-high 25 points, while Joseph Allen added 22 points and grabbed a team-leading 5 rebounds. Drew Middleton orchestrated the Knights' offense with 12 assists, consistently finding open teammates throughout the contest.
Three-Point Shooting Proves Decisive
The difference in the game came from beyond the arc, where North Central connected on 15-of-31 attempts (48.4%) compared to Spurgeon's 4-of-18 (22.2%). Despite outrebounding North Central 42-29, the Knights couldn't overcome the 33-point differential from three-point range.
North Central's Tanner Holtman delivered a championship performance with a game-high 33 points, while Carmello McNeal dominated the glass with 18 rebounds. Carrington McNeal added 14 assists, helping North Central shoot an efficient 52.4% from the field overall.
Historic Season Ends One Win Short
Despite the disappointment, the Knights' appearance in the national championship game caps a remarkable season that saw them reach unprecedented heights. Spurgeon College's run to the title game featured thrilling victories and showcased the program's growth under head coach Billy Livezey.
The Knights finished the season with a 23-7 record, establishing themselves as a rising power in NCCAA Division II basketball. With several key players expected to return next season, Spurgeon College has built a foundation for future championship runs.
Looking Ahead
While the sting of defeat will linger, the Knights' performance on the national stage has elevated the program's profile. As they return to Gladstone with their runner-up trophy, the team can hold their heads high knowing they've set a new standard for Spurgeon College basketball and positioned themselves for continued success in the years to come.
