River States Conference

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - Fifth-seeded Indiana Southeast held off upset-minded Spring Arbor (Mich.) 58-54 to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. The 2010 NAIA D-II Men's Basketball National Championship is being played at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks (Mo.).

One of just three unseeded teams that won in the first round, Spring Arbor looked to be in control for most of the game, leading by as much as 10 in the second half. Four quick points, the later off a steal and lay-in by junior Rick Bodiford, put Indiana Southeast down 46-40. A basket by Cougars guard DJ Baisden followed and put the lead back to DJ eight but the Grenadiers closed the game with an 18-6 run to earn the win.

"We were down eight points and wanted to get it down to four, we kept setting goals and we were able to achieve them through hustle and perseverance," commented head coach Wiley Brown. "These guys just believe."

A three-pointer by Jazzmarr Ferguson with 3:10 to go put Indiana Southeast up for good (55-54) followed by another basket and free throw by Ferguson sealed it with 54 seconds to play. The Grenadiers' defense played a key role in the win, limiting Spring Arbor to just 29% shooting in the second half.

"Our guys showed me a lot of character against a great Spring Arbor team today," added Brown. "We have seven seniors who did not want to go home. I am proud of them because they did not get discouraged and kept working hard throughout the game."

Indiana Southeast was led by Bodiford who was nearly perfect from the field, making 8-of-9 field goal attempts and 2-for-3 free throws for 18 points. Ferguson was huge as well with 16 points, scoring the Grenadiers final six points. He also dished out six assists. Indiana Southeast shot 55% from the field and held a slim 26-22 advantage on the glass.

"These guys put a lot of faith in our system and our veteran experience really showed up for us today at the end of the game. Any win at this level of the national tournament is a great win."

After shooting 50% in the first half, Spring Arbor cooled off to 42% for the game. Baisden was one of just two Cougar players in double figures with 13. Chris Bellamy contributed 10 points off the bench and Rob Boss closed his career with nine points and four boards. Playing in their second ever national tournament, Spring Arbor finishes the year with a 23-11 record.