NORTH CANTON, Ohio - The William Jewell men's basketball team trailed by just four with 75 seconds remaining on Saturday evening but ultimately fell 77-70 to top seed and No. 9 ranked Walsh University in the opening round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament. The Cardinals finish the season at 22-9 overall, their most wins in the NCAA era.  

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Jewell took a five point lead four different times in the early part of the game, only to see the Cavaliers respond each time. Leading by two with just over eight minutes to go in the first period, the Cardinals used a 14-6 run, capped by five straight from Kanukayi Gudza to open up their largest lead of the day, 40-30, and force a Walsh timeout. The hosts scored six quick points to close the half as Jewell led 40-36 at the break. 
• Justice Sutton's three started the second half strong for the Cardinals but Walsh used to an 11-2 run to go from down seven to back in front, 47-45, nearly six minutes in. The following four minutes included three ties and three lead changes as both teams battled for control before three free throws allowed the Cavaliers to retake the lead, 60-55. Walsh expanded their advantage to as large as nine with two minutes to play before a bucket from Kyle Scharbrough and a timely three by Ashton Jermain made it 74-70. Jewell got a clean look at the basket but the three point shot fell short forcing the Cardinals to foul as Walsh scored three late to secure the seven point win. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Jewell was led by Isaac Patterson who picked up a double-double in his final contest as a Cardinal with 15 points and 11 rebounds while fellow seniors were also in double figures as Scharbrough and Bradley Lightbourne added 14 and 11 points, respectively. 
• Sutton chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. 
• Jewell shot 46% from the floor but just 39% in the second half.