March 13, 2008

Third-seed Morningside used a late run to outlast upset-minded Indiana Tech 73-67 in the first round of the 2008 NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament.  The 17^th annual event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

Leading by two with 2:30 left to play, Morningside pulled away with a 5-1 run, capped by a Thomas Pargett layup, to go up 68-62 with less than a minute to play. The Mustangs iced the game by making 5-of-6 free throws down the stretch.

Morningside was led by senior guard Jack Rother with 18 points. David Price added 11 points, nine of which came in the second half. The Mustangs held a 44-30 advantage on the boards, led by Thomas Pargett with seven. Making their second appearance at the national tournament, Morningside advances to the second round for also the second time.

Indiana Tech, which had won 10 straight games coming into the tournament, was led by Anthony Jones with 21 points. The Warriors were making their fifth national tournament appearance and end their season with a 21-13 overall record.

Morningside advances to play in the second round on Friday against either #14 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) or Grace (Ind.). The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes Tuesday, March 18.