POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. – The No. 2 ranked Golden Eagles face a familiar foe on Friday in the second round of the 2017 NAIA National Tournament as they face No. 15 Saint Francis (Ind.) at 9:30 a.m. EST. It will be the fourth meeting between the two schools in Branson over the last eight years with the winner of each of the first three going on to win a national championship.
Opponent: Saint Francis (Ind.)
Date: Friday, March 10, 2017
Time: 9:30 a.m. EST
Location: Point Lookout, Mo.
Internet Coverage: Live Video/Audio/Stats (CSPN)
Scouting Saint Francis (Ind.) – Head coach Chad LaCross (7th Season)
Head coach Chad LaCross has his Cougars making another run in Branson as the 2016-17 version comes into the second round game at 23-10 overall. USF finished 11-7 in league play and finished the year ranked No. 15 in the country. They have a very balanced attack on offense as Kyl Sovine leads the Cougars in scoring at 15.2 per game. Chandler White (12.7), Bryce Lienhoop (12.4) and Kegan Comer (10.2) also average double-figures.
History vs. Saint Francis in Tourney
The last three times CU and USF have met in the national tourney, the winner has gone on to claim the championship. In 2010, USF defeated CU 79-73 in the round of 8 which led to them claiming the program's lone national title. In the 2011 national championship game, the Golden Eagles won 80-71 to claim their second of three national titles. Then in 2015, CU claimed a 75-64 victory over USF in the round of 8 in route to their third red banner.
34 and Counting
Head coach
Kim Elders is now the all-time NAIA DII Tournament wins leader after the 89-83 victory over Pacific Union. He also has led the Golden Eagles to the most tourney wins as a program (34).
NAIA Tournament History
Cornerstone is making their 15th appearance at the NAIA National Tournament and 14th since it was moved to Point Lookout, Mo. CU has an overall record of 34-11 in the tourney and boasts a trio of championships in 1999, 2011 and 2015.
First Round Success
In their 14 previous trips to the NAIA DII National Tournament, Cornerstone boasts an incredible 13-2 mark in the first round. Only in 2005-06 and 2011-12 did they fail to advance to the second round.
Men's Basketball Contact:
Aaron Sagraves
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