Boxscore
Branson, Mo. - The early game magic ran out as the Highland Cavaliers' second trip to the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball championship. After taking an early five-point lead in the opening minutes, UVa-Wise saw third-ranked Indiana Wesleyan slowly start to take control of the contest and pull away late in the game, 81-56, in first round action.

Every time the Cavs (17-13) put together a second stanza run including back-to-back triples by Pance Kecev and Adam Hood to cut the difference down to 64-49 with 7:43 left. UVa-Wise could not keep the momentum to make a substantial run as the Wildcats (29-5) rattled off their own bucket and three-point play to put the score back to 69-49.

Kecev, the Macedonian native, led the way in the scoring column for the final time with 14 points on six of 11 tries. He finished his four-year career with 1,187 points. His backcourt mate, Adam Hood (Duffield, Va.) joined him in the 1,000-point club as another highlight in the contest. Hood's 11 points on four of nine shooting gave him 1,004 points in three seasons.

Travis Berry (Alexandria, Va.) added 11 points and handed out two assists. Sam Eligwe and Josh Jordan chipped in six points with Norris Gaskins pulling in five boards. Travis Brannon wrapped up his career with four rebounds on the night.

Will Hubertz paced the winning attack of Indiana Wesleyan with 17 points including three triples. Zach Coverstone added 14 points and eight caroms for the All-American.