Bellevue wins rematch over Oregon Tech

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In a rematch of last year’s National Championship final, Bellevue (Neb.) displayed the upper hand this time. The Bruins won 78-64 over No. 7 seed Oregon Tech in the Quarterfinal round of the 2009 NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship.
Bellevue shot 54 percent for the game, including 62 percent in the second half, to avenge a 63-56 loss to Oregon Tech in the 2008 Championship. The 18th annual event is being held at the Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of the College of the Ozarks (Mo.). 
Bellevue advances to its fourth ever Quarterfinal and will take on No. 2 Bethel (Ind.) on Saturday (March 14) at 1 p.m. CST. Bethel defeated Indiana-Southeast 88-68 in the first game today. 
The game was a see-saw affair in the first 10 minutes as there were seven lead changes and two ties. The Bruins broke out of a 16-16 tie at the 10:30 mark and forged a 34-27 lead at the break. The BU defense was strong limiting the Hustlin’ Owls to just three points during a 5:28 span late in the half. 
Despite OIT’s best effort, the deficit never shrunk under six points in the second half. Bellevue used a 20-11 run late to salt the game away. 
Bellevue senior Jerrod Tucker led all players with 21 points and nine boards. He was an efficient 8-for-12 from the field. Senior Davon White added 14 points while senior Kyle Prochaska chipped in nine points and 10 rebounds. The rebounding output for Prochaska marked the 28th time this year he led the club in that category.