The Adrian College men’s basketball team shocked the conference by winning the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament. The Bulldogs defeated Hope College on Tuesday night in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals where they defeated Calvin University. In the championship game, Adrian defeated Trine University 80-72 to punch its ticket to the NCAA National Tournament.
Kendall Bellamy started the game hot for Adrian to give them an early 12-10 lead after collecting a quick seven points. With 13 minutes to go in the first half, Jordan Harris hit back-to-back three-point shots to lead 18-10. Adrian brought its lead up to 10 but the Thunder quickly responded to cut into the lead and bring it to five. Trine took a late first half lead, but another three ball by Harris tied things at 29-29 to head into the break.
The second half started with a battle but Adrian pulled ahead to take a five-point lead. Adrian fell behind by two with nine minutes played in the second half. Jeremy Kalonji put on a show down low and put the Bulldogs back into command to force a Trine timeout. Adrian took its five-point lead again and held on to the end. Two made free throws from Kalonji and a layup by Ke’Shaun Wyatt-Morris put the Bulldogs ahead seven.
Following their big win last night @AdrianMBB is advancing to the @MIAA1888 conference semifinal game against Calvin University on Friday. Here are the highlights from last night#godawgs #bulldogs #actv #d3hoops #hoops #miaa #highlights #basketball pic.twitter.com/4hQvxdYTTG
— Adrian College TV (@AdrianCollegeTV) February 26, 2020
The entire six-team tournament field included Trine University, Alma College, Adrian College, Hope College and Calvin University. View the full story on the MIAA tournament here.
With a minute left in the game and a four-point lead, Harris hit is sixth three-pointer of the night which was followed up by four made free throws to pull of the win at 80-72. This is the first time the Adrian College Bulldogs have made an appearance to the NCAA National Tournament in men’s basketball. This is the third ever team championship as the Bulldogs won the regular season in 1955 and 1918. In the preseason MIAA poll, the Bulldogs were projected by every MIAA team to finish in last place.
The Bulldogs will wait to hear their opponent and next weekend’s location during the selection show tomorrow at 12:30 PM on NCAA.com.
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