Culver-Stockton comes up short against top-seeded team in the NAIA tournament. (photo/NAIA)
Top-seed Cal State San Marcos survived a late charge by No. 16 Culver Stockton (Mo.) to win 92-91 in the Second Round of the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship Friday morning in Municipal Auditorium.
Culver-Stockton’s CJ Adams had a chance at the free throw line to tie the game in the closing seconds. He attempted a 3-pointer with .06 seconds remaining and was fouled. He made the first attempt at the charity stripe, but could not convert the second. After a time-out, his third try was the final point of the game.
Adams’ effort was part of a furious comeback attempt by the Wildcats. Trailing 85-74 at the 5:11 mark, Mario Gulley connected on two lay-ups and Jonathan Miller put in four-straight points to cut the deficit to 85-82. Culver-Stockton would stay within five points of Cal State San Marcos within the final two minutes, but the top-ranked Cougars held on.
