MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending national champions needed overtime to defeat Monroe University on Monday evening.
Trinity Valley who led most of the contest until the 01:44 mark left in regulation. Monroe's Nacier Kirksey drained a three pointer to give the Mustangs their first lead of the second half. The Cardinals saw their largest lead of 16 points evaporate over a stretch of 8:57.
Trinity Valley was led in scoring by M.J. Wardlow and Zati Loubaku with 16. The Cardinals had three others in double figures, Armani Henderson with 15, Braylon Wenger had 12 and Najee Graham had 10.
The Cardinals shot 31 of 65 from the floor with 6 treys and 10 of 18 from the charity stripe.
For Monroe, they were led in scoring by Kirksey who had 19, Tavien Tyler had 17. Faquir Mosely and Nico Pena added 10 each.
Monroe shot 22-71 from the floor with 16 treys and were 15-22 from the charity stripe.
Monroe, who is moving to NCAA Division II next season, ends their year with a 28-5 record.