Video Blog | The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team manufactured a thrilling one point upset victory over the #12 seed Northwood University in the first round of the NAIA National Championships today, giving head coach Ryan Cottingham his 200^th career win in style. Cottingham notched the win over legendary head coach Rollie Massimino who guided Villanova to the 1985 NCAA division I national championship in arguably the most memorable upset victory in college basketball history. 

Down by six with seven minutes remaining, the Cougars made their move. After freshman Chris Bellamy hit a jumper and Northwood responded with a bucket of their own, junior Willie Pickvet nailed a three pointer from the corner to bring the Cougars within three at 48-51.

Freshman Matt VanPelt grabbed a crucial rebound on the ensuing Northwood possession and raced up the court to find Bellamy in the lane. Bellamy pulled up from ten feet and knocked down the jumper to make it a one point game.

After another Northwood miss, Pickvet was fouled while going hard to the rim. The 6'6 Pinconning, Michigan product calmly sank both free throws to give the Cougars their first lead of the game with 3:56 left to play.

The two teams literally traded baskets over the next three minutes until it was time for Baisden to shine. Down by one (56-57) with 45 seconds to go, Baisden milked the shot clock until there was fourteen seconds remaining in the contest and then made his move. Driving past his defender, Baisden spun in the lane and used his body as a shield to get off a right handed runner that kissed high on the glass before rattling home to give SAU a one point lead (58-57).

After advancing the ball over half court, Northwood called timeout and Massimino drew up a set play for his team's offense. The Cougar's defense proved up to the task however, as they denied Northwood a good look at their basket on two occasions over the final ten seconds of play and sealed the victory.

Baisden led SAU with 18 points while Bellamy played one of the best games of his young career for Spring Arbor, finishing with 14 points. Rob Boss chipped in with 12 points and a team high six rebounds and Pickvet finished with nine points and five boards in the win.

"I'm so proud of our team," commented SAU head coach Ryan Cottingham. "We competed hard for 40 minutes and never stopped believing. We've done that all year so I'm not surprised we did it again. To beat an elite team that is coached by one of the all-time greats in Rollie Massamino makes it even sweeter."  

The Cougars will now face off with the winner of Indiana University Southeast and Johnson and Wales (CO) tomorrow at noon (CST) in their "sweet sixteen" matchup. Fans can listen to the game by tuning into 89.3 The Message or follow the action a variety of ways by clicking on the Championship Central link on the left side of the men's basketball web page.