March 12, 2009

Point Lookout, Mo. - #8 Northwood (Fla.) used a big second half to come from behind and avoid the upset as they defeat Sterling (Kan.) 75-72 in the opening round of the 2009 NAIA D-II men's basketball national championships. The 18th-annual event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

Sterling led throughout the first half behind nine first half points by Mac Stephenson and eight from the inside play of Jonathan Woods. The Warriors held Northwood to just 37% from the field and led 35-28 at the half.

Shooting 60% in the second half, Northwood came back behind the play of Sun Conference player-of-the-year DeSean White and guard Baree Ward. White scored 15 in the second half while Ward added 10. Sterling kept it close behind the shooting of Trenton Stutzman who went a perfect 5-for-5 from the three-point line. A pair of free throws by Northwood guard Lester Hunte gave the Seahawks a 75-72 lead with 20 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Sterling missed on all three attempts to send the game into overtime and Northwood held on to advance to the second round.

Northwood was led by DeSean White and Baree Ward who both scored 17 points and ignited the Seahawks comeback. Augustine Okosun netted 15 points and 11 rebounds for the double-double.

Sterling placed five players in double figures, led by Trenton Stutzman with 15 second-half points. Mac Stephenson added 13 while Jonathan Woods totaled 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Warriors finish the season with a 21-10 record.

Northwood (27-5) advances to the second round for the second straight year and will face #9 Eastern Oregon at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, March 13. The 32-team, single elimination tournament concludes March 17, 2009.