2004 SCAC MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FINALS

#1 TRINITY UNIVERSITY 81, #6 OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY 69
(Game Box)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Trinity University got a game-high 22 points and hit a career-high six three-point field goals from junior guard Chad Stroberg (pictured left) to repeat as SCAC Tournament champions with a 81-69 victory over Oglethorpe University Sunday afternoon at Rhodes College.

Trinity improved to 24-4 and set a new school record for single-season wins. The Tigers, who receive the SCAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, await the release of the NCAA Men's Division III Tournament bracket this evening and the announcement of their first-round opponent.

The Tigers have won four SCAC Championships, including three under Coach Pat Cunningham (2004, 2003 and 2000). In addition, Trinity captured the 1998 title. The Tigers advanced to the NCAA tournament all four years.

Although Oglethorpe only led once the entire game (3-2 at the 17:14 mark), Trinity had a hard time putting away the sixth-seeded Petrels.

After taking a 37-31 halftime lead, Trinity quickly extended the margin to 14 at 48-34 with 15:56 remaining in the game.

Oglethorpe would fight back, cutting the lead to 56-48 on a layup by Terry Bailey with 10:33 to go, but just as quickly, Trinity went on a 14-1 run - capped by a Sean Devins layup - to lead 70-49 with 6:20 remaining.

But the Petrels had one more run left. Oglethorpe went on a 13-0 run of its own and when Russ Churchwell nailed a three-pointer at the 2:25 mark, the Trinity lead was cut to 70-62.

The Petrels had opportunities to cut the lead further, but a missed three-pointer and missed chances at the free-throw line sealed Oglethorpe's fate.

In addition to Stroberg's heroics, Devins, who was named the 2004 Tournament MVP, had 14 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Andy Bates added 13 points and six rebounds and Shane Fitts chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Stroberg joined Devins on the All-Tournament Team from Trinity.

For Oglethorpe, which ends its season at 12-16, Eric Dickinson and Josh Burr both had 14 points and both were selected to the All-Tournament Team. Churchwell followed with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals and Bailey also had 13 points and six rebounds.

In addition to Devins, Stroberg, Dickinson and Burr, Rose-Hulman's Jason Ludwig was named to the 2004 SCAC All-Tournament Team. Click here for the team listing with pictures.