The Blue Knights beat Southeast Community College March 6th to secure NJCAA National Tournament Division II berth
For the first time in program history, the Dakota County Technical College Men’s Basketball team has made the national tournament. In fact, it’s the first time any Blue Knights team has made a national tournament appearance.
The Blue Knights (19-10) beat the Southeast Community College Storm (14-12) 93 – 76 to win the National Junior College Athletic Association District VII Championship March 6 at the Inver Hills Athletic Center.
“Our goal from day one of the season has been to win the national tournament and it’s fun to see that goal come into focus with our national tournament berth. We have a great group of young men and I’m just excited to have the opportunity to coach them for two more weeks. To be able to finish our season at the national tournament will be an unforgettable experience,” said Coach Ben Davis.
Head Coach Ben Davis
By winning the District Championship, the Blue Knights clinched their first NJCAA National Tournament bid. The Blue Knights are among 16 district champions who will advance to the tournament. The tournament will be played March 15-19, 2016 in Danville, Illinois.
Davis said the team really started to gel in the past month and improved quickly because of it. In particular, Davis said their defense came alive, which was evident in their victory over Dakota Bottineau to win the NJCAA Region 13 Championship.
“We held Bottineau to 36 points in the 1st half to take a big halftime lead,” said Davis.
Focused on the task ahead, Davis said the team will spend the next two weeks preparing for the national tournament.
“We are happy with the win but know we are capable of winning this next tournament as well,” said Davis.
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To view more pictures from the game click here.
