Hawaii Pacific Holds On for NAIA Title
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From Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lemar Young scored 24 points and David Smith made four free throws in the final 43 seconds Monday night, lifting Hawaii Pacific past top-seeded Oklahoma Baptist, 88-83, in the title game of the NAIA tournament.
With the Sea Warriors leading 83-75, Oklahoma Baptist sliced the lead to 83-81 with 1:06 remaining on a short jumper by Mark Moore, a steal and layup by Moore and a layup by Darrell Barnett off another Hawaii Pacific turnover.
But Smith’s four free throws helped the Sea Warriors (30-4) pull away to a victory and become the first Hawaiian team ever to win a national basketball championship.
Robert Powell scored 24 points for Oklahoma Baptist (34-4).