NAIA TOURNAMENT : Azusa Pacific Is Upset Victim
Chris Runsewe, Lee Rood and Jason Cordes combined for all but two of Minnesota Morris’ final 33 points Wednesday in an 83-68 victory over second-seeded Azusa Pacific in the opening round of the NAIA tournament.
It was the first time since 1983 that a second-seeded team was eliminated in the first round.
The unseeded Cougars scored the game’s first 10 points and led, 39-23, with three minutes to play in the half before Azusa Pacific rallied to go ahead, 54-50, with 11:02 remaining.
But Minnesota Morris regained the lead, 56-54, on three baskets in a row by Runsewe and never trailed again.
Cordes led Minnesota Morris (21-9) with 22 points.
Bob Terry scored 20 points and Ronnie Winbush scored 19 for Azusa Pacific (30-4).
Go beyond the scoreboard
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