Defending National Champion Concordia Eagles Defeat Rams 72-57  

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Mobile’s season ends at 29-10 as the defending national champion Concordia University Eagles defeated the Rams, 72-57, in the semi-finals of the NAIA National Tournament. Out-rebounding UM 52-to-21, the Rams were no match for the inside presence of senior Nick Vanderlaan and Tanner Luster as both players combined for 35 points and a whopping 33 rebounds.

“We knew coming in that rebounding was a premium,” Coach Niland said. “We’re not a physical basketball team, but more of a finesse team. They man-handled us and we were worried about that.”

The Eagles jumped out to a 14-4 lead quickly in the first half and never looked back as they took a 40-28 lead at the half. Already prevalent was the rebounding disadvantage, nine to Concordia’s 24, that the Rams never could cut into.

The Rams, who pressured the ball and tried to run-and-gun, missed easy shots that could have made the first half a different story.

“We forced 23 turnovers but we missed a lot of easy baskets,” Coach Niland said. “The first half was key.”

The Rams cut Concordia’s lead to nine, 45-36, with 16:37 remaining but never got closer as the Eagles pushed the cushion back out to 15.

“We held them to 32 percent shooting in the second half but we shot the ball poorly in the first half and didn’t get to the free throw line,” the Rams coach said. “Whey they make more free throws than you shoot, you got problems.”

“It was a great defensive game,” Concordia coach Ken Ammann said. “Both teams really focused on defense and played it very well. Mobile is so athletic and they feed off turnovers. I think the difference was that we were just a little better on offense.”

The Rams were led by junior Tramaine Perry, who finished with 23 points, and Gimel Lewis who added 14.

The Eagles (34-4), who will once again face Mountain State University in the national final, also got double-figure performances out of Chris Victor (14 points) and Jeremey Groth (12).

“This was a great run,” Coach Niland said.

Mobile’s lone senior, Seluynn Palmer, echoed those sentiments as his collegiate career comes to an end.

“I’ll always remember being part of something special.”

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