Wins record and DIII Independents crown, but still no NCAAs

ORANGE, Calif. - The Chapman University men's basketball team swept through the Division III Independents West Region Postseason Tournament for its fourth consecutive championship, concluding the regular season on a 10-game winning streak and setting a new school (Division III) record for wins this weekend. Yet when all was said and done, the Panthers are still left on the outside looking in at the NCAA Division III "dance".

Chapman (24-3) did not receive a berth in this year's 60-team NCAA postseason bracket, despite winning more games this season than any Panther team since 1959-60. The Panthers have won 20 or more games in four consecutive seasons, but have yet to earn the elusive at-large berth for Division III independent schools.

The Panthers were even among the top-35 teams in the country to receive votes for the D3Hoops.com national poll and lead all of Division III in defense, allowing opponents just 56.4 points per game.

Meanwhile, Chapman claimed two more wins at the DIII Independents West Region Postseason Tournament on Thursday and Friday, defeating La Sierra and U.C. Santa Cruz in Riverside for their fourth straight tournament championship.

Game 1: Chapman 74, La Sierra 48
Sophomore G Griffin Ramme led all scorers with 18 points and added five rebounds for the Panthers. Chapman had a huge first half, out-scoring the Golden Eagles 45-22. In fact, the Panthers' 45 points in the opening half was nearly as many as La Sierra scored in the game (48). Junior C Jared Kaiser earned a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and added four assists. The Panthers swept all four games against La Sierra this season.

Game 2: Chapman 77, U.C. Santa Cruz 59
The Panthers led by six at halftime, but pulled away in the second half against the Slugs. Sophomore F Justin Riley was just three assists shy of a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Kaiser matched Riley with 17 points of his own and had nine rebounds. Junior G Dan Aguilar had 10 points and seven steals. Chapman shot 57.4 percent from the field and extended its winning streak to 10 games - its second such streak this year.