Kirkwood headed back to the dance after 1-year absence
Johnson Hall was electric last night as the Eagle men ousted Ellsworth 91-80 to head back to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament after a year absence. With the win, the Eagles avenged a 59-64 loss they suffered to Ellsworth on Feb. 13.
Northern Iowa recruit Ali Farokhmanesh scored a game high 26 points and was named MVP of the Region XI tournament. Former Cedar Rapids Jefferson prep Bryant Kucera scored 18 points coming off the bench for the Eagles. DaRell Crittendon poured in 15 points and Matt Banzhaf came off the bench to score 12 points, most of which he scored in the second half. Iowa recruit Jermain Davis added 13 points for the Eagles, including two dunks.
The Eagles will head to Danville, Illinois March 18-22 to take a shot at the National title, which they previously won in 1998.