Lincoln Christian brings home
fourth place    

[MARCH 8, 2004]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Lincoln Christian College men's basketball team finished their season with a fourth-place national tournament finish and a 21-17 overall record. After winning the Midwest Regional for the first time in school history, the Preachers went on to the NCCAA Division II National Tournament and defeated Crown College in the quarterfinals before losing to the tournament host, Central Bible College, in the semifinals. In the third-place game the Preachers were outlasted by the Defenders of Baptist Bible College.

Brian Dunaway continued his dominance of the NCCAA by bringing home the national tournament's Most Valuable Player Award. This was the first time in the history of this award that it had not gone to a player on the winning team. Dunaway had games of 25, 39 and 26 points in the tournament and averaged seven rebounds and six assists over the three games.

Lincoln Christian head coach John Searby had this to say about the tournament: "For this group of guys to battle through the type of season they've had and make the national tournament for the first time in school history is tremendous! I am so proud of all of them for getting to the Final Four and anxious to get started working towards an even better season next year."

Lincoln has no senior starters and could return its entire roster for the 2004-05 campaign.

"If we can use this as a springboard to make us more motivated for next season, we have a chance to be very good again," Searby said. "With a tough schedule facing us next year, I think we will be prepared to challenge again for a national title."

More information about LCC's Final Four run can be found at www.lccs.edu/athletics/basketball/men.

[LCC news release]

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