DIV 3

Eagles Start Hot but Can't Hang on in Conference Semis

MANKATO, Minn. – Postseason college basketball is known for its upsets, and through 22 minutes in Mankato on Wednesday night, it appeared an all-timer might be brewing in the 2024 UMAC Men's Basketball Semifinals. Bethany Lutheran College entered the game as the heavy favorite, having won all 14 of its regular season conference games. The University of Northwestern, on the other hand, had to win both of its final two regular season games in order to claw its way to the four seed in the postseason tournament. Not to mention, Bethany had defeated Northwestern, 99-71, earlier in the season in the very same North Gymnasium the two squared off in Wednesday night. The Eagles had the Vikings on the ropes early in the second half, but BLC proved why it ran the table in the UMAC and roared back for an 82-75 win to advance to the UMAC Championship game Saturday night.