Eagles Sharp In Regional Quarterfinal Victory

WATERTOWN, Wisconsin—Don't look now, but the Faith Eagles men's basketball team is just two wins away from qualifying for the NCCAA Division II Championships. Faith was razor-sharp in the regional opener against Providence University College, shooting down the Pilots, 98-55.

Faith utilized a tenacious man-to-man defense to hold Providence to 4-of-23 shooting from beyond the arc, and a crisp passing game, which led to easy baskets under the rim. The Eagles shot 55% from the floor, and outscored Providence 56-24 in the paint. Faith's only deficit was one point with 16:32 left in the first half; its largest lead was 43. The Eagles' defense forced 22 turnovers, leading to 33 points.

Jared Pearson led the Eagles with 22 points as one of five players in double digits. Freshman Andy Hecker had one of his best games of the season with 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Kalab Sidlinger and Noah Boyer both scored 11. Christian Brown rounded out the scoring in double figures with 10 points.

Faith plays the winner of the game between number two seed Central Christian College of the Bible and number seven seed Calvary University on Friday at 5 p.m. at Maranatha Baptist University. If the Eagles win that game, they would play in the regional championship on Saturday, February 26, at 5 p.m. Trinity Bible College is the top seed in the region. The Eagles fell to Trinity, 97-89 earlier this season.