The opening round of the NJCAA DII National Tournament was tough for Wake Tech. The Eagles went cold from the floor late and lost to Niagara County by a final score of 73-61. Don't let the final score mislead you. Throughout the contest, there were 23 lead changes and 11 ties. For more than three-quarters of the way through it was a seesaw battle between two teams who wanted to win.
After trailing by one point at halftime, the Eagles picked a bad night to go cold from the floor. Wake Tech came out of the locker room for the final 20 minutes and shot 8 of 32 from the field. Combine the extended cold snap by going 14 for 30 at the charity stripe, and you have all the ingredients for a very difficult start to the National Tournament.
Credit Niagara County on defense, they mixed up their looks from zone to a full-court press in the second half and it kept the Eagles off balance.
Wake Tech will need to move past their shaky start fast. The Eagles are back in action for the consolation bracket on Wednesday.
NJCAA DII National Tournament, Cosolation Bracket
Wake Tech vs North Central Missouri College
Mary Miller Center, Danville Area Community College, Danville, IL
4:00 pm EDT (3:00 pm CDT)
By the Numbers
North Central Missouri College
Established: 1925
Students: 1,458
Located: Trenton, MO
Mascot: Pirates
Wake Technical Community College
Established: 1958
Students: 74,000
Located: Raleigh, NC
Mascot: Eagles
Wednesday's game will be broadcast on NJCAA-TV.
