MCC News
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 - [Men's Basketball]
DJ Baisden was named as the tournament MVP after scoring 20 points in a 77-75 win over Robert Morris University
DJ Baisden was named as the tournament MVP after scoring 20 points in a 77-75 win over Robert Morris University
The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team upset the NAIA Division I #1 ranked Robert Morris University Eagles 77-75 on Saturday.
 
Leading 74-73 with 13.3 seconds remaining, junior guard DJ Baisden missed two free throw attempts and it looked as if NAIA Division I #1 Ranked Robert Morris would be able to avoid the upset in the closing seconds of the game. However, 6'7 junior Willie Pickvet blocked a driving lay-up and actually caught the ball in the air and was then able to complete a pass to Baisden who was fouled with just 1.3 seconds to go. Baisden knocked down the first and then intentionally missed the second as the Eagles were without any timeouts and were unable to get a shot attempt for a 77-75 Cougar win.
 
Trailing 33-31 at halftime it looked as if SAU would pull away down the stretch as they built a 74-67 lead with under two minutes to play. Robert Morris showed why they are the number one ranked team in the country as they came roaring back with a three-pointer from behind the arc followed up by a three pointer the old fashioned way.

Baisden followed-up his 24 point performance on Friday night with 20 points and five assists and was selected as the tournament's most valuable player. Senior Rob Boss pumped in a team-high 21 points and was voted to the all-tournament team along with freshman Matt VanPelt who turned in back-to-back strong floor games. Senior Richard Blair is rounding into shape after being sidelined for two weeks with an injury and scored 11 points.

Despite shooting just 38 percent from the field Spring Arbor committed just six turnovers and was able to control the tempo of the game.

"It was a tremendous team effort. All twelve players contributed in some fashion. Our defense was solid and we played very unselfishly," commented head coach Ryan Cottingham. "To defeat a high-powered team like Robert Morris will certainly give us some additional confidence although I'm more concerned with how we're going to play in January and February."

Spring Arbor is back in action on Wednesday night, November 4th when they host the Concordia University Cardinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.