Judson falls to Walsh at NAIA Nationals

As a first-time qualifier for the NAIA National Division II National Tournament, Judson University's men's basketball team bowed out in the first round with a 91-57 loss to No. 4 Walsh University Thursday in Point Lookout, Mo.

Judson finished its best season in program history at 19-9.

"This was a tough loss for us as we did not play our style of ball," said Judson coach Jim Cook of his final game as Judson's men's coach.

"I am very proud of this team, these five seniors, and what they have accomplished this year. They have laid a foundation for a tradition to start. It has been fun coaching this team."

Dewayne Robinson was the Eagles' leading scorer with 13 points followed by Steffan Williams and Chris Oates with 11 each. Robinson was also the leading rebounder with five. Walsh had five players in double figures as Kyelce Cescato led the way with 20 points.

Five seniors end their run with Judson in Justen Boyd, Joe Gonnam, Oates, Ilija Bojanic, and Williams. All five players help set a foundation for a tradition to continue for Judson basketball. Boyd, Gonnam and Oates each scored over 1,000 points in their Judson careers.

Walsh took a quick 15-4 lead over Judson in the first five minutes and never looked back. In the quick start by Walsh, Judson did not find its style of play and was playing catch-upfrom the start. By halftime, JU was down, 46-27, and only shot 39 percent from the floor and 9 percent from beyond the arc.

Judson shot better in the second half (41 percent) but could not keep up with Walsh's 48 percent from the floor and 60 percent from 3-point range.

Walsh out-rebounded Judson, 45-30, and forced 11 Judson turnovers.

Walsh was playing in its eighth NAIA tournament and was the 2005 NAIA Division II National Champions.

This was the final game for Cook, the CCAC Coach of the Year, as the men's basketball coach as he will just coach the Judson women's team next season.

Cook finished with an overall career record of 53-66. He guided Judson to its first-ever CCAC regular season and tournament championships and to its first-ever NAIA Tournament.

Boyd finished with 500 career assists and is second all-time in JU history.