Ravens hold on for national tourney win over Highland, Illinois

Jay Herkelman thought the shot was going to be good.  However, to the relief of Red Ravens fans, Edward Tucker's three-point attempt at the buzzer bounded off the rim, preserving a 63-61 win for the Ravens in the first round of the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson.

The Red Ravens, 31-4, advance to play Itawamba, Mississippi, a 72-62 winner over Northeastern Junior College (Sterling, Colorado).  Coffeyville and Itawamba will play on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.  Itawamba, located in Fulton, Mississippi, will enter the game with a 27-4 overall record.

Daniel Payne continued his torrid play in the post-season.  Payne scored 26 points and added 11 rebounds to lead the Ravens.  Payne was 11-of-14 from the field including 3-of-4 from the land of three.  Tarod Sanders added 13 points for the Ravens.  All-American candidate Barry Eberhardt struggled, scoring only seven points, 11 below his season average.

Tucker and Laron Frazier scored 17 points each for Highland.

If the Ravens defeat Itawamba on Thursday night, they would advance to the national tournament semi-finals and would play at 8 p.m. on Friday night.

If the Ravens lose to Itawamba, they would move into the consolation bracket and would play at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon.  Opponents in either scenario will be known after play on Thursday.

Highland, Illinois-Coffeyville Boxscore

March 22: Men's Basketball National Tournament Second Round: Coffeyville vs. Itawamba, Miss., 6:30 p.m., Hutchinson Sports Arena

Hutchinson News Tournament Site

National Tournament Web Casting Site (Check for the web casting link prior to tip off for Coffeyville's game at nationals)

NJCAA Men's Basketball National Tournament Web Site

National Tournament Fan Bus Information

Daniel Payne drains a three in the first half.  Payne also added a huge three-pointer with about five minutes remaining in the game.

Tarod Sanders goes in for two of his 13 points on the night.