Men make NCAA tournament

Although OWU men’s basketball NCAC championship hopes were ended last Friday after their loss to Wooster 67-78 in the tournament semifinal, they were selected to play in the NCAA D-III tournament Monday morning.

The team will play nationally ranked No. 5 St. Norbert’s College March 7 in Bloomington, Ill at 6:30 p.m.

Senior Dre White said having the opportunity to play in an NCAA tournament game is like a new beginning.

“Getting into the NCAA tournament is like new life after feeling our season was over last Friday at Wooster,” said White.

“It is exciting us our seniors to have one last shot to make a run in the tournament, but it is also exciting for our younger guys to be able to experience this as well.”

St. Norbert’s College is 24-1, with an impressive 18-0 Midwest Conference record. The Green Knights averaged 83 points per game with three players averaging 16 points or more.

Athletic Director Roger Ingles said St. Norbert’s program is talented, but the Battling Bishops are well prepared.

“St Norbert is a very confident, mentally strong, and evenly balanced team but our (OWU) regular season schedule has prepared us for anyone.”

The Battling Bishop’s invitation to the 2014 D-III NCAA tournament marks DeWitt’s second consecutive appearance. OWU President Rock Jones said the team is a model of success.

“The Battling Bishop’s men’s basketball program is recognized as one of the premier programs in the NCAC and the NCAA,” said Jones.

“Coach DeWitt’s leadership and the commitment of each member of the team to disciplined work on and off the court have led to this success.

“I wish them the best as they compete in then national tournament.”