WAU Secures Automatic Bid to the 2024 NAIA National Tournament and Advances to the CAC Finals After a 67-60 Victory Over #2 Florida National
Written by: WAU Athletics
LAWRENCE, KS – The Washington Adventist University (WAU) men’s basketball team secured a triumphant path to the 2024 CAC Championship Tournament finals with a resounding victory last night. As the third seed, WAU (18-9, 5-2) claimed a decisive 67-60 win over the second-seeded Florida National University (FNU) in Lawrence, KS.
Derrick Hopkins of the Shock exhibited stellar performance, notching 20 points to lead all scorers, marking his eighth double-figure game of the season. WAU’s robust perimeter defense held FNU to a mere 4-of-22 shooting from beyond the arc, underscoring the team’s defensive prowess in the crucial Final Four matchup.
Notably, WAU showcased balanced offensive firepower with three players reaching double figures for the second consecutive night. Hopkins, leading the charge with 20 points and nine rebounds, was ably supported by Mohamed Bundu’s 15 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, alongside Isaiah Anderson’s impactful 16 points and six rebounds off the bench. Together, this trio accounted for 51 of the Shock’s 67 points, boasting an impressive 60% 3-point shooting average (6-of-10) and an 85% free-throw average (17-of-20).
Taking a 31-25 lead into halftime, WAU faced a brief challenge as FNU equalized at 31-31 early in the second half. However, WAU’s resilience shone through as they orchestrated a crucial 9-2 run, seizing a 48-43 lead with Bundu’s free throws. Maintaining their momentum, WAU extended their lead to nine points, reaching 56-47 following a pivotal 3-pointer from senior point guard Tunde Scrivner.
Displaying unwavering defensive resolve, WAU thwarted FNU’s attempts to mount a comeback. Despite FNU narrowing the margin to four points at 56-52, WAU’s Hopkins took charge in the final minutes, amassing 11 of his 20 points to secure the decisive 67-60 victory for the Shock.
With this semifinal triumph, the Shock clinched their berth in the 86th annual NAIA Men’s Basketball National Tournament. The NAIA unveiled its 64-team bracket on Thursday, March 3rd, 2022, marking the third season under the new format with combined divisions, following the previous year’s tournament featuring only 48 teams.
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