North Alabama Wins Division II Title

Fred Stafford, who scored 24 points, led a second-half surge as North Alabama defeated mistake-prone Bridgeport (Conn.), 79-72, Saturday in the NCAA Division II championship game.

The Lions (24-9), who also won the Division II title in 1979, started quickly when Stafford scored seven of North Alabama’s first eight points. North Alabama led, 35-34, at halftime.

Bridgeport (26-8) was led by Lambert Shell, who had 21 points and 17 rebounds. Shell was named the tournament’s MVP.