Oakland City, IN - The Geneva College men′s basketball team finished its season in style with a 71-68 victory over Palm Beach Atlantic at the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) National Tournament. The victory improved Geneva′s final record to 18-12 and clinched a fifth place finish at the NCCAA nationals. After falling to Mid-Continent in the first round, Geneva rallied for victories over Mid-America Christian yesterday and Palm Beach today. "We have seen some incredible talent the last few days," said head coach Jeff Santarsiero. "I believe our guys proved they could play with some of the best teams in the country and we held our own all week against some very good scholarship programs."
Geneva′s play-off run has been sparked by the play of sophomore Rich Colick. Colick ended his season in style with 30 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Geneva attack. "Rich has been tremendous," said Santarsiero. "He is without question an All-American kid and he proved it again today."
Colick got help from junior Bryan Hill with 15 points on five three-point field goals. Between the combination of Colick and Hill and the tremendous work at the foul line for the Golden Tornadoes (15-16), it proved too much for the Division II Palm Beach Atlantic team.
Geneva trailed by as many as 10 in the first half and didn′t take its first lead in the second half until a Colick jumper at the 2:31 mark gave Geneva a 69-68 lead. The Golden Tornadoes closed out the game from the foul line. "I am extremely proud of this group," said Santarsiero. "We have enjoyed a very special season."
Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College′s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
© Geneva College | All rights reserved
