#6 Andrews University 73 - #8 Penn State Beaver 59

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March 8, 2014

UNIONTOWN, PA - The Andrews University Cardinals defeated #8 Penn State Beaver to claim their third USCAA National Basketball Championship in the last four years. Led by Tyler Wooldridge, who was awarded his second Men's Division II Tournament MVP award in three years, Andrews dominated the game from the opening tip and gave its three decorated seniors, Wooldridge, Matthew Little, and Junior Orelus, a final game victory.

The Nittany Lions entered tonight's championship averaging 90+ points per contest, but a 2-3 zone defense from Andrews frustrated the Nittany Lions early and often. At one point the Cardinals had a 16-0 run, and ended the half up 37-26. The Cardinals also held a decisive advantage on the boards. Andrew University outrebounded the Lions 49-30, including 26 offensive rebounds that led to 21 second chance points.

Led by the cutting Wooldridge, Matthew Little, and Robert Moon, Andrews scored 40 points in the paint. Meanwhile, Penn State Beaver struggled mightily from the three-point line, connecting on only 2 of 17 attempts (11.8%). Senior Nick Miller, a USCAA 1st Team All-American, went just 1-10 from three-point range and 2-16 on the night.

Wooldridge finishes one of the most decorated USCAA Men's Division II basketball careers with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and three steals, filling up the stat sheet as he's done so often in his time at Andrews. Fellow seniors and 2014 All-Tournament team members Matthew Little and Junior Orelus played key roles in the victory. Little had a double-double, with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Orelus' 19 points paced Andrews early.

Leading the way for the Lions was USCAA 1st Team All-American Rob Agurs, who finished with a game high 21 points.  USCAA 2nd Team All-American, Chris Weathers, added 20 points.  Penn State Beaver ends their season with a record 24-7.

In addition to defeating Central Penn in the first round of the tournament, Andrews University knocked off Penn State University Athletic Conference champion Penn State York before meeting Beaver in the finals. The victories give the Cardinals a measure of revenge for their loss in last year's semifinal against Penn State Fayette. Andrew University finishes another championship season with a record of 24-4.

-USCAA