Eagles Soar to National Title; Southern Idaho Defeats Midland in DI Men's Basketball Championship Game

Pierre Jackson's 22 points paced the Golden Eagles to victory over Midland Saturday night (March 19) in the national title game at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Photo by Stephanie Carpenter, Hutchinson Community College.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- The College of Southern Idaho claimed the school's third national championship in men's basketball and first since 1987 Saturday night in Hutchinson, Kan., with a 72-64 victory over Midland College (Texas). Ironically, CSI defeated Midland in the 1987 title game.

CSI (33-4) took a 39-26 at the half thanks to shooting 64% from the field. However, Midland climbed back in the second half to make a run at the title. Guy Landry's late three-pointer with less than 15 seconds left in the contest cut the Golden Eagles' lead to just five, but Tournament MVP Pierre Jackson sank three of four free throws down the stretch to seal a national championship for NJCAA's Region 18 for the second time in three years (Salt Lake CC, Utah - 2009).

Jackson, who led all scorers in the title game with 22 points, set a new natioanl tournament record by making 46 free throws on the week. He also led the tournament with 96 points and had a tournament-best 34 points in CSI's quarterfinal win over Tallahassee (Fla.).

Kenny Buckner also played a big role in the title game for the Golden Eagles, scoring 12 points and pulling down nine rebounds.

Midland (33-4) was led by Dwayne Davis who had 20 points and eight rebounds. Guy Landry and Dwight Miller scored 15 and 11 points, respectively.

In addition to 1987, Southern Idaho also won the national championship in 1976.

Box Score & Complete Tournament Stats



College of Southern Idaho clinched its third national championship in NJCAA Men's Basketball with their win over Midland in this year's title game. Photo by Andrew Carpenter, Hutchinson Community College.

TOURNAMENT AWARDS

Most Valuable Player
Pierre Jackson, College of Southern Idaho

Coach of the Tournament
Steve Gosar, College of Southern Idaho

Bud Obee Small Player Award
Neil Watson, Coffeyville Community College, Kan.

Sesher Sportsmanship Award
TJ Stevens, Coffeyville Community College, Kan.

All-Tournament Team
Jordan Aaron, Southeastern Community College, Iowa
Mitch Bruneel, College of Southern Idaho
Kenny Buckner, College of Southern Idaho
Henry Calhoun, Shelton State Community College, Ala.
Chris Evans, Wabash Valley College, Ill.
Trevin Harris, Western Wyoming Community College
TJ Lindsey, Monroe College, N.Y.
Ty Nurse, Midland College, Texas
Vernon Payne, Cape Fear Community College, N.C.
Orlando Sanchez, Monroe College, N.Y.
Stacy Wilson, Coffeyville Community College, Kan.