Eagles Claim 1st Regional Championship!

WATERTOWN, WI - The Emmaus Eagles are flying high after claiming the program's first-ever NCCAA Regional Championship last weekend in Watertown, WI.

The Eagles capped a scintillating 2 weeks of basketball by defeating the Faith Eagles for the second time in 8 days, 69-62, and now carry a 5-game winning streak to the NCCAA National Championship Tournament on March 10-12, in Joplin, MO.

Here's a look back at the Emmaus road to a championship:

Regional Quarterfinal vs. #5 - Oak Hills Christian College

Thursday, Feb. 24 - Win - 80-74 OT

In their first tournament game, the Eagles survived and advanced in a tournament that was almost over before it started.  After leading for much of the game, it was a Tyrus Buckner layup at the final buzzer that sent the game into overtime!

The Eagles used stellar defense to take control of the overtime, winning the extra period 10-4, to secure the victory.  Four Eagles went for double-figures, highlighted by 12 points (4-8 shooting from behind the arc) by Dylan Anderson, and an electric offensive performance from Nashon Harper, who led all scorers with 31 points. 

Regional Semifinal vs. #1 - Trinity Bible College

Friday, Feb. 25 - Win - 74-61

On Friday night, it was a second half surge and precise execution during their semifinal victory over the TBC Lions, which propelled the Eagles into the championship game.  Emmaus wrestled away control of the contest with a 55-34 scoring advantage in the 2nd half, winning the battle of the boards with a 13-rebound advantage.  

A pair of double-doubles from Tyrus Buckner (22 points, 16 rebounds) and Nashon Harper (20 points, 11 rebounds) kick-started the Eagles on both ends of the floor.  Steven Petkau was also a key contributor finishing 1 rebound shy of a double-double, with an impressive 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks on the night. 

Regional Championship vs. #3 Faith Baptist Bible College

Saturday, Feb. 26 - Win - 69-62

Emmaus entered the championship game on Saturday night facing a familiar opponent.  The Emmaus Eagles were facing the Faith Eagles for the 4th time in two months, and 2nd time in 8-days.  After losing the first 2 match-ups of the year, Emmaus was looking to even the season series and advance to the NCCAA DII National Championship for the first time in program history. 

An enthusiastic Emmaus student section and many loyal fans made the 2-hour trip to Watertown, and helped create an atmosphere worthy of a championship night.  With constant chants of "DEFENSE!" and big roars after big buckets throughout the 2nd period, the Emmaus Eagles found a way to win both halves and secure a 7-point victory!

Tyrus Buckner was a factor all night from the field, foul line, and on the glass, pouring in 28 points and 19 rebounds.  Zach Scholl and Dylan Anderson were difference makers from beyond the arc, with 6 and 9-points from long range respectively.  And a Quan Patterson's 3-pointer at the buzzer secured a 5-point advantage, which Emmaus had fought to earn throughout the first 20-minutes. 

Steven Petkau added to his tournament total of 10 blocked shots, with 5 of them in the championship game, and at the final buzzer the Eagles and student-section stormed the court to celebrate the program's first ever regional championship!

Next up for the Eagles:

NCCAA DII National Tournament - Quarterfinal 

Emmaus vs. Great Lakes Christian College

at Ozark Christian College (Joplin, MO) 

Thursday, March 10 @ 4pm

Interested in becoming an Emmaus Eagle in 2022-23?  Fill out an Eagles Recruiting Form to begin the conversation.

Emmaus is a fully-accredited four-year college offering more than 30 professional and ministry-related degrees. Our athletic teams compete in the NCCAA Division II and the Midwest Christian College Conference. 

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