Click Here For NAIA Division II Brackets

ATHERTON, CA – As the California Pacific Conference Tournament Champions, Menlo College men’s basketball team will be facing Evangel University of Springfield, Missouri on Thursday, March 13th at 7:15 p.m. (PST) in the first round of the 2007-08 NAIA Division II National Basketball Tournament. The tournament is held in Keeter Gymnasium on the campus of College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri.

The Oaks (18-9) are ranked 29th on the final NAIA national poll and Evangel (27-6) is ranked No. 6. The Crusaders defeated William Jewell College in the Heart of America Conference Tournament championship to secure a berth in the national tournament.

Menlo will be making their third appearance in the national tournament. The Oaks first appearance was in 1999-2000 season where they dropped a 91-64 decision to Mount Vernon Nazarene (OH). In their more recent appearance, Menlo lost to Robert Morris 80-66 in the first round in the 2001-02 season. Robert Morris was National Tournament runner-up, losing to Evangel in the championship game 84-61.

Menlo finished the regular season with an 18-9 record, setting a record for the most wins in a season since 1990. This year’s squad also racked up the most conference wins (13) since joining the Cal Pac in 1998. The Oaks are currently on a nine-game winning streak, the longest in the past 15 years.

“Evangel is a great opponent, who has had an outstanding year,” stated Head Coach Brandon Laird. “They have been ranked in the Top 10 throughout the season and have a strong basketball tradition. We look at this as a huge challenge and will be well-prepared to play our best game.”

The winner of the Evangel/Menlo game will meet the winner of the Oregon Tech/Mount Vernon Nazarene game on Friday, Mar. 14, at 9:15.