MONTGOMERY, Ala. – (Box Score) No. 2 seed Faulkner defeated No. 6 seed Blue Mountain Christian Friday night at the SSAC Championship 82-70, ousting the Toppers from the tournament.

Faulkner will now be assured a bid to the NAIA National Championship First Round, while Blue Mountain has a doubtful outside shot at getting in but would need some kindness from the national selection committee.

The Toppers, competing in their first SSAC Championship semifinals, didn't have an answer for SSAC Player of the Year C.J. Hines, as he would score 21 points to lead all scorers, while his four starting teammates chipped in double figures in scoring as well.

Blue Mountain saw JonDarius Warren lead the way with 17 points, while Ryan Sanders and Jakobey Hitchens chipped in 13 apiece.

Topper Shot blocker extraordinaire Vatangoe Donzo found himself in foul trouble early and had to sit most of the first half, but still finished with five points, four rebounds and two blocks.

"I'm really proud of this team and the winning season they put together," BMCU head coach Jermael Bingham said.  "We asked them to perform at a high level and they went out there and did that every game.  We have hope we can receive a bid to the national tournament, but if not, we can still say this is the best men's basketball program to ever come through Blue Mountain."

BMCU finishes the season 18-11 overall and 11-9 inside the SSAC, first winning season in program history.
 
 
Find us here:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram