Cardinals Earn National Tournament Birth With Region & District Championship Wins

PARK HILLS — The MAC Cardinals are headed back to the national stage.

MAC captured the NJCAA Region 16 Championship with a 75-66 victory over Three Rivers College on March 7 at the Bob Sechrest Fieldhouse before securing the Midwest District Championship a week later with an 83-58 road win over Malcolm X College. The two victories send the Cardinals to the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.

In the region title game, MAC used a strong first half and a steady performance at the free throw line to pull away from Three Rivers. The Cardinals led 31-22 at halftime and matched the Raiders with 44 second-half points to seal the 75-66 victory.

Terron Garrett paced the Cardinals with 21 points, knocking down three three-pointers and going 8-for-10 from the free throw line. Maki Joyner provided a spark off the bench with 18 points and five rebounds, while Nazir Allen added 12 points and five rebounds in the paint.

Edwon Duling Jr. chipped in seven points and four rebounds while Nassir Binion also scored seven points. Ngundeng Ruey added four points and helped anchor the defense as MAC forced 18 Three Rivers turnovers.

With the region championship secured, the Cardinals advanced to the Midwest District Championship against Malcolm X College on March 14 with a berth in the national tournament on the line.

MAC delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, jumping out to a 42-26 halftime lead and never allowing Malcolm X to mount a serious comeback in the second half.

Garrett again led the Cardinals with 18 points and five rebounds, while Duling Jr. turned in an all-around performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Ruey dominated defensively and on the glass, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks. Jordyn Richard added 10 points and four assists, while Joyner scored 10 points and knocked down three three-pointers.

The Cardinals controlled the boards 40-0 and shot nearly 44 percent from the field while also converting 26-of-33 free throw attempts.

With the district championship victory, MAC now advances to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.  The Cardinals will find out their first round opponent during the selection show on Monday, March 16 at 5:00pm.