Lakeland edges Aurora U. in OT for NAC title

Lakeland College defeated Aurora University 82-77 in overtime Saturday afternoon in Aurora to capture its first Northern Athletics Conference championship.

Lakeland went up early in the first half, extending the lead to 14 with 7:30 remaining in the first half. Aurora was eventually able to pick up its play and close the gap to 34-31 at halftime.

The Muskies were led by senior guard Kris Saiberlich, who had 9 first-half points. Another notable performance belonged to senior forward Danny Ehnert, who pulled down 10 rebounds. Aurora was led in by junior guard Chad Trudo, who had 11 points.

Five minutes into the second half, a Trudo 3-pointer tied the game for the first time since the five minute mark in the opening half. On the next possession, another Trudo 3-pointer gave the Spartans the lead, 42-39.

Lakeland was able to recapture the lead, 46-44. A quick Aurora 3-pointer marked another lead change, and the Spartans took the 47-46 lead. The Spartans would not trail again in regulation but found themselves locked in a 67-67 tie when the regulation buzzer went off.

The overtime turned out to benefit the visiting Muskies, who had already battled through two hard-fought overtime victories in the conference tournament.

Saiberlich finished with a game-high 27 points. The senior was 10-of-10 from the free throw line, including a couple of clutch free throws during the overtime period.

Ehnert had the game with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds and senior guard Aaron Regal scored 15 points.

The Spartans were led by Trudo's 24 points including 6-of-12 from 3-point range. Senior forward Larry Welton had a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Aurora shot just 31.3 percent (21-of-67) from the field for the game.

With the loss Aurora's record drops to 22-6 overall, while the Muskies improve to 17-11.

Even with the loss, the Spartans remain hopeful for postseason play. They now wait word from the 2008 NCAA Division III men's basketball championships selection committee on a possible bid into the 2008 tournament field. The announcement will be made at 11 a.m. Monday.