Life University Athletics

Kansas City, MO- The six seed Life University Running Eagles upset three seed William Carey 68-67 in the first round of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament Wednesday morning.  They advance to play Friday at 3:15pm EST against the winner of Central Methodist (Mo.) and Wayland Baptist (TX).

The Running Eagles jumped out to an early lead of six points in the first two and a half minutes.  That lead would balloon to as many as 16 points just under midway through the first half at 25-9.  William Carey battled their way with a few runs including an 8-0 stretch late in the first half to cut the Running Eagles' lead to six.  The second half would prove a test of resilience for Life University as William Carey continued to play with dominance.   The Crusaders bench would score a total of 41 points to the Running Eagles' 9, many of which came during the second half.  William Carey outscored LIFE 40 to 35 in the second half, lead by senior guard Jamarri Johnson, Life had to find a way to weather the attack.  

With just under 9 minutes left in the game the Running Eagles found themselves trailing 46-49 for the first time after a field goal by the Crusaders' Troy Salvant.  William Carey was able to maintain a small lead until late in the game.  With 27 seconds remaining, LIFE's senior point guard Michael Miller made a critical steal leading to a converted 3 point shot in transition by senior guard Undra Mitchem, his sixth of the game.  The Running Eagles' dynamic back court of Miller and Mitchem would lead the game with a combined total of 45 points.  The ball would end up in possession of the Crusaders but strong defense forced a pair of missed shots, clinching the victory for Life University.  Mitchem also lead the Running Eagles with 9 total rebounds.  Miller lead both teams with 5 assists.  

"At a time out with about two minutes left I told the guys we needed five great defensive possessions in a row to win this game" said Head Coach Keith Adkins. "I felt that we weren't going to win this game with an offensive set, but with our defense getting stops in the final minutes.  I am so happy for our guys. We have had a lot of ups and downs this year, so to see this group come out here and come up with a great win makes it all worth what we have experienced this year."