Keelhaulers Headed Back to Missouri

Maritime Punches Ticket to Branson with Win Over Simpson

Cal Maritime needed an extra five minutes, but the Keelhaulers capitalized in overtime to turn back an unrelenting Simpson team 85-76 to win the California Pacific Conference Tournament before a packed house in Vallejo, Calif. The win advances the Keelhaulers, who received votes in the latest NAIA national poll, into the NAIA National Championship, held at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO, beginning on March 11.

The Keelhaulers, who led by one at the half, appeared primed to pull away, building a 13-point halfway through the final 20 minutes, but the Red Hawks ramped up the defensive pressure and powered their way back to tie the game at 63-63 when Shaquille Jones connected on a free throw with 3:43 remaining.

After the two squads traded leads for the next three minutes, Clayton White hit both ends of a one-and-one to give CMA a 72-69 lead with 48 seconds left, and it again looked like the Keelhaulers would have just enough to hold off Simpson's push. But Anthony Williams, who drained 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, hit nothing but net to even the score with 22 seconds remaining. CMA's shot near the end of regulation fell short and sent the title game into overtime.

During the five-minute bonus period, White drove for two points and the Keelhaulers never trailed. As a team, CMA made 12-of-14 from the free throw to provide all the offense necessary to seal the win.

CMA, which improves its overall record to 19-9, had three players hit double figures. Dominique Barnes led the Keelhaulers with 20 points and nine rebounds while Roman Delgado finished with 17 points, eight boards, three assists, three blocks, and three steals. Kameron Hoyt chipped in 10 points and three steals for CMA. White contributed nine points and a game-high six assists.

"It is hard to adequately put into words how proud I am of this group. The growth the team has collectively shown from November to March has been inspiring. Earning the reward of a trip to the National Tournament is very special and we are excited about the opportunity to continue our journey," commented Head Coach Bryan Rooney.

Simpson, which finishes its season with a 17-15 record, also had three players surpass the double-digit mark. Ian Corella dominated play inside, pounding in 22 points to pace the Red Hawks. The senior post hit 12-of-14 free throws and also pulled down nine boards. Williams had an impressive performance beyond his hot shooting from behind the 3-point line. He finished with 19 points and nine boards. Dalton Thacker hit two threes and 7-of-10 free throws and totaled 15 points, as well as seven rebounds and four steals.

This will be Cal Maritime's 4th consecutive trip to the National Tournament. The Keelhaulers will find out their first round time and opponent on Wednesday during the NAIA Selection show. Stay tuned to www.cmakeelhaulers.com for updates throughout Cal Maritime's trip to Missouri.