POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — CIU men's basketball fell to Lancaster Bible College (Pa.) 82–75 on Saturday afternoon in the NCCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship game at Keeter Gymnasium, marking the second consecutive season the Rams have finished as national runner-up.
Lancaster Bible built an early advantage and led 37–27 at halftime after closing the first half on a late run. The Chargers extended their lead to as many as 13 in the opening period and maintained control heading into the break.
CIU responded in the second half, outscoring Lancaster Bible 48–45 and trimming the deficit to as little as two points late in the game. A Will Kelly three-pointer with 3:43 remaining cut the margin to 69–65, and free throws from Rhett Warga with 3:04 left made it a two-point game at 69–67.
Lancaster Bible answered down the stretch, converting key free throws and capitalizing on turnovers to rebuild separation in the final minutes. The Chargers extended the lead back to multiple possessions inside the final two minutes and held off the Rams' late push to secure the 82–75 victory.
JJ Vaughan was selected to the All- Tournament Team PC: Steve Rackley
Kelly and James Davis led CIU with 13 points each, while Warga added 13 points off the bench. Johnny Whysong recorded a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, and Jeffrey Clark, II chipped in 10 points and four assists.
CIU struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 4-of-23 from three-point range, but stayed within striking distance by getting to the free-throw line, where the Rams went 27-of-41. The Rams also outrebounded Lancaster Bible 39–33 in the contest.
JJ Vaughan, who scored a program-record 36 points earlier in the tournament, was named to the NCCAA All-Tournament Team.
CIU finishes the season 22–11 overall.
