CEDARVILLE, OH - The Cougars of Spring Arbor University went toe to toe with NCAA DII Cedarville University for 17 minutes but just could not sustain the intensity to overpower the Yellow Jackets as Spring Arbor lost the in the NCCAA District final by the score of 90-75.
Spring Arbor finished the season at 18-14 marking the 8th straight winning season under Head Coach, Ryan Cottingham.
Cedarville advances to the final site of the NCCAA National Championship hostid this year by Grace College in Winona Lake, IN.
Matt Howe finish the year playing one of the best games of his career scoring a game high 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds, including five offensive boards and put-backs.
"I'm glad to see Matt (Howe) finish strong like this," said Cottingham. "I thought we played hard and I am very proud of how we fought for 40 minutes, but Cedarville is big, athletic, and very strong, and they got the best of us tonight."
Chris Bellamy scored 22 points hitting five if nine from deep range, and Rob Hogans was the third Cougar in double digits adding 16 points.
During the game, Bellamy moved into 26th place on the All-Time list surpassing University of Tennessee assistant coach, and Spring Arbor University Hall of Famer Dean Lockwood.
Cottingham will now focus on next year and new beginnings for the Spring Arbor University men's basketball program.
