EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Augusta University men’s basketball is headed to the NCAA Division II National Championship for the first time since 2008 after defeating Indiana University of Pennsylvania 76-61 on Thursday, March 24, in Evansville, Ind., at the Ford Center.
This is only the second time in school history the Jaguars are headed to the National title game and the second time under AU Coach Dip Metress.
Tyshaun Crawford led the Jaguars with 25 points and 14 rebounds, going 12-12 shooting. His domination on the court marked the first time a player has ever perfect field in Elite Eight history with that many field goals.
“It feels great, but the job is not finished,” said Crawford. “I didn’t know I was 12-for-12; I just went out there and did what I was supposed to do.”
AU’s Ja’Quez Kirby also helped the Jaguars with his 16 points on 7-11 shooting. Miguel Arnold, who was the leader scoring in the Regional Championship and the Elite Eight game, was halted to only three points, shooting 1-6 from the field.
The Jaguars struggled in the first half with six turnovers and the game would be tied 32-32. Augusta outscored IUP 44-29 in the second half with Crawford dominating with 17 of his 25 points.
“We played very well, very unselfish, we didn’t have any bad possessions in the second half,” said Metress. “Very proud to coach this team. We get a chance to play on the last day of the year.
Third seeded Augusta will now go on to face a team that has won the National Championship three out of the last four years, including the last title game, in Northwest Missouri State that was seeded fifth.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us but will try and figure something out and I don’t think there will be any secrets, they have gotten a chance to watch us twice,” said Metress. They got a good contingent of fans that are probably going to come. Will figure some stuff out.”
The National Championship game will be Saturday, March 26, in Evansville, Ind., at the Ford Center. Tip off will be at 3 p.m. (EDT). You can watch the Championship game live on CBS.
