HUTCHINSON, Kan. — There will be a new national champion this year.&nbsp; The Howard Hawks denied Trinity Valley a chance to defend their national title with a 72-66 win over the Cardinals on Friday night.&nbsp;

Trinity Valley looked like they were going to be in control of the contest but Howard clawed their way back and took the lead at halftime 32-31 on plus-one with :03 remaining in the first half.&nbsp; Brandon Ivery made&nbsp; a layup to tie the game and hit the free throw to put the Hawks up at the half.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Neither team led the game by more than 8 points and there were three lead changes during the half.&nbsp;

The second half was all Howard.&nbsp; Trinity Valley kept trying to make a run at the Hawks, but was stopped each time.&nbsp;

The Cardinals end their season at 30-6.&nbsp;

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 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — There will be a new national champion this year.&nbsp; The Howard Hawks denied Trinity Valley a chance to defend their national title with a 72-66 win over the Cardinals on Friday night.&nbsp;Trinity Valley looked like they were going to be in control of the contest but Howard clawed their way back and took the lead at halftime 32-31 on plus-one with :03 remaining in the first half.&nbsp; Brandon Ivery made&nbsp; a layup to tie the game and hit the free throw to put the Hawks up at the half.&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither team led the game by more than 8 points and there were three lead changes during the half.&nbsp;The second half was all Howard.&nbsp; Trinity Valley kept trying to make a run at the Hawks, but was stopped each time.&nbsp;The Cardinals end their season at 30-6.&nbsp;

🏀 Game 21: Howard ends Trinity Valley run