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2006 NAIA National Tournament
Huntington University Foresters
2006 NAIA National Runners-Up
What a season for the Foresters! MCC Champions, MCC Tournament Champions, undefeated at Home, and NAIA National Runners-Up.
Fisher College (MA)
Thur, Mar 9: First Round
Huntington 99, Fisher 58
Huntington had no difficulty with their opponent in the first NAIA Tournament game. All the Foresters saw considerable playing time as Fisher was simply no match for Huntington. Fans had some concern in the second half as Doug Sheckler came down on the basketball and turned his ankle, but he was back in action on Friday. Huntington won easily 99-58. Alex Kock scored 30 points, Steve Snider had 10 boards, and Jared Yoder had 7 assists. Alex hit 4 three-pointers. [Box Score]
Evangel University (MO)
Fri, Mar 10: Sweet Sixteen
Huntington 104, Evangel 93
Huntington met stiffer competition in the second round, but emerged victorious in the Sweet Sixteen game with a 104-93 win over Evangel University (MO). It was a physical game that saw 42 free throws in the second half alone. After two games, Huntington was averaging over 100 points a game and looking good. Alex Kock scored 35 points and had 8 rebounds; Jared Yoder had a season-high 15 assists. "They kept hitting the shots," Jared said, "so I kept passing it to them." Alex Kock hit 3 three-pointers in this game. [Box Score]
Morningside College (IA)
Sat, Mar 11: Elite Eight
Huntington 82, Morningside 70
Huntington defeated a gritty Morningside team in the Elite Eight game. HU trailed by 6 points at the half, as the Foresters looked tired after three games in three nights. In the second half, energized by Chase Verba on defense and Kyle Benge on offense, they scored 53 points and took the game away from the Mustangs who just couldn't keep up. Huntington won 82-70 as Kyle Ganton led the scoring with 20 points and Alex Kock had 11 rebounds. Jared Yoder and Kyle Benge had 3 assists each. Kyle Ganton and Kyle Benge had 3 treys each. [Box Score]
MidAmerica Nazarene University (MO)
Mon, Mar 13: Final Four SemiFinals
Huntington 78, MidAmerica Nazarene 68
The Foresters never trailed in this game, although it was tied a couple times at the start. HU got an early lead, expanded it to 20 points at the start of the second half, and held on as the Pioneers made a late charge closing within 4 points later in the game. Huntington responded to that challenge, closed out the game with 9 free throws, and won 78-68. Kyle Ganton led the Foresters with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Jared Yoder and Alex Kock provided 5 assists apiece. Kyle Benge hit 2 three-point shots in this game. [Box Score]
College of the Ozarks (MO)
Tue, Mar 14: Championship
Huntington 56, Ozarks 74
Unfortunately, Huntington experienced its worst game of the season in the Championship game. In the previous 7 games, the Foresters shot 53.0% from the field and 47.3% from three-point range. In the previous four NAIA Tournament games, they hit 54.9% from the field and 50.9% from three-point range. But in this game it was a low for the entire season in both categories. They hit just 29.7% from the field; 18.2% from three-point range. It wasn't great defense by Ozarks; HU got plenty of open looks and lots of good shots but very few found the net. Alex Kock had a double double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Huntington University Foresters are the 2006 NAIA National Tournament Runners-Up. A great accomplishment! [Box Score]
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(Photos Courtesy of Huntington University) |
Paul Harrington, Fort Wayne, IN
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