Box Score MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Behind 24 points from
Kamrin Oriol, The Master's men's basketball team defeated Webber International 90-77 in the opening round of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship tournament in Miami Gardens, Fla.
It was the first time the Mustangs won in the first round of the NAIA tournament since 2017.
"Did not know what to expect with 12 days between games and flying all the way across the county but we played well," said TMU Head Coach Kelvin Starr. "I thought we could have been better defensively but we were able to wear them down over 40 minutes."
TMU hit 29 of 60 (48%) from the field, including 13 of 27 (48%) from 3-point range. The Mustangs won the rebound battle (39-34) and controlled the ball better, committing 11 turnovers.
Oriol hit four 3-pointers and converted 6 of 7 from the free throw line to lead all scorers.
Ty Harper added 15 points and team highs with six rebounds and four assists.
Deaken Stangl dropped a career-high 13, with
Kaleb Lowery contributing 12.
"Kamrin and Deaken's shooting kept us in the game in the first half," Starr said.
TMU (23-8) will now play St. Thomas (FL) on Saturday. The Bobcats are the team that knocked the Mustangs out of the NAIA tournament in the opening round last year.
"We are looking forward to playing St. Thomas (Saturday)," Coach Starr said. "They are crazy athletic, so it's going to be a challenge. There is no easy path to Kansas City."
The game against St. Thomas, which is hosting this Opening Round, will tip-off at 3 p.m. PT. The winner will go to the NAIA Men's Basketball Final Site in Kansas City, Mo. March 21-26.
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