In the second round of the NJCAA Men’s Division 1 National Basketball Championship, the No. 11 seed Bruins of Salt Lake Community College were eliminated from the tournament after losing 87-82 to No. 6 seed Central Arizona on Mar. 20.
The Bruins set out for revenge yesterday, coming out strong and taking a double-digit lead in the first half. Their aggressiveness proved harmful as SLCC fell into foul trouble early on, allowing the Vaqueros to convert 9 of 11 free throws and tie the score at 35 going into halftime.
The second half resulted in more of the same for SLCC. Committing 35 total fouls to CAC’s 21, the Vaqueros went 30-47 from the foul line adding to their significant lead.
With just over one minute left CAC led by 8 points. SLCC cut the lead by 3 with just under one minute to go but missing key free throws cost them a chance at advancing to the third round.
Even though the Bruins were disappointed in not advancing in the Tournament, they have to be proud of their great season claiming the Scenic West Athletic Conference and Region 18 Championship as well as earning its first NJCAA Tournament berth since they won it all back in 2009.
For more on SLCC Men’s Basketball, go to www.slccbruins.com.
