Salt Lake Remains Alive For Third National Title
Hutchinson, KS – The NJCAA Men’s DI National Tournament went into Semifinal mode today. Four teams left vying for the coveted tallest trophy.
In the first semi, #5 Seed Chipola College (FL) faced #1 Seed Salt Lake CC. Chipola led for almost the entire first half. In the last few seconds, Salt Lake’s Max Watson hit a straight on NBA three to put the Bruins up, 36-33.
The second period was mainly controlled by Salt Lake. The Bruins basically held a two possession margin until two made Nae’qwan Thomlin FTs with deuces wild on the clock (2:22) gave Chipola a brief lead 65-64.
Two more charity stripe makes, this time from Achor Achor put the Indians up 68-66. Salt Lake scored the last four points (all by Jaquan Scott) to earn the victory, 70-68.
Salt Lake, after being ranked No. one from preseason to the end of the regular season, has a chance to earn their third national championship. The others were in 2009, and 2016.
In the finals, the Bruins will face the winner of the #11 Seed Triton College (IL) vs. #10 Seed Northwest Florida State game, which is set for Saturday, March 19 at 6:00 CDT.
Salt Lake, 35-1, received 19 points from Quincy McGriff. Jaquan Scott followed with 14 and four boards, Max Watson added 13 and 5 rebounds. Jordan Brinson ended with 10 to accompany his game high 8 pass outs.
For the Indians, Achor Achor did most of the damage, finishing with 20 points and six rebounds. Tomlin tallied 11. Faizon Fields was game high in rebounds, finding his way to 8.
