GREENVILLE, S.C. – In a stunning upset that reverberated through the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship, the No. 5 Lander Bearcats toppled defending champions and top-seeded Nova Southeastern Sharks 91-81 in the national semifinals on Tuesday. The victory sends Lander to its first-ever national championship game, a remarkable achievement for a program seeking its first title. You can follow the tournament as Lander prepares for its final challenge.
The Bearcats didn’t simply win; they dominated a Nova Southeastern team that had, until Tuesday, looked nearly unbeatable. Lander controlled the tempo and the lead for 32 of the 40 minutes, silencing the Sharks’ high-powered offense. The final score, 91-81, reflects a decisive victory built on relentless defense and a balanced attack.
A Defensive Masterclass
Lander’s path to the semifinals was paved with stifling defense. In the Southeast Regional, they held Lenoir-Rhyne, a team averaging 89.5 points per game, to just 62 points. That defensive intensity carried over into the Elite Eight, where they limited No. 4 Daemen to 74 points. But Tuesday’s performance against Nova Southeastern was arguably their most impressive defensive showing yet. The Sharks, who typically average a remarkable 99.4 points per game, were held to a season-low 81 points.
The Bearcats’ defensive strategy focused on disrupting Nova Southeastern’s rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc. Lander held the Sharks to a dismal 32.6% shooting from the field and a shocking 2-for-16 from three-point range – their worst shooting performance of the season. This defensive pressure forced turnovers and limited easy scoring opportunities, effectively neutralizing the Sharks’ potent offense.
Bearcats’ Balanced Attack Overwhelms Sharks
Whereas defense was the cornerstone of Lander’s success, their offensive versatility proved equally crucial. The Bearcats weren’t reliant on a single scorer; instead, they showcased a balanced attack that kept Nova Southeastern’s defense constantly guessing. They were physical, unafraid of the Sharks’ trademark full-court press and maintained a high energy level throughout the contest.
Lander briefly trailed in the second half, but quickly responded, regaining the lead and extending it to as many as 15 points. Nova Southeastern mounted a comeback, tying the game, but the Bearcats answered with another surge, pulling ahead and never relinquishing control. Even with Nova Southeastern winning the rebounding battle, Lander limited second-chance points, preventing the Sharks from capitalizing on their offensive boards.
Pritzl and Canoville Lead the Charge
Senior guard Greyson Pritzl was a standout performer for Lander, scoring 25 points while shooting 5-for-10 from three-point range. Pritzl has been on a hot streak throughout the tournament, hitting at least four three-pointers in five consecutive games. His consistent scoring and clutch shooting were instrumental in the Bearcats’ victory.
However, Pritzl wasn’t alone. Dylan Canoville, a seldom-used reserve, provided a significant spark off the bench, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 25 minutes of play. Canoville’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he had similar impactful games against Lenoir-Rhyne and Daemen. Freshman Jacob Daniels added 17 points, while Bobby Crawford Jr. Contributed 10 points and Navaughn Maise pulled down 12 rebounds. Antewan Webber Jr. Rounded out the scoring with 11 points, demonstrating the Bearcats’ depth and collective effort.
Sharks Fall Short Despite Graziani’s Effort
Despite the loss, Nova Southeastern received strong performances from several key players. DII Player of the Year Dallas Graziani, playing in his final collegiate game, finished with 15 points and seven assists. Jaxon Nap had a monster double-double with 17 points and 20 rebounds, and five Sharks scored in double figures. However, their collective effort wasn’t enough to overcome Lander’s defensive intensity and balanced offensive attack.
The defeat marks the end of Graziani’s impressive career, which included two national championships. While the Sharks’ season ends in disappointment, their run of dominance over the past several years remains a testament to their program’s success.
Looking Ahead
Lander will now face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the DII national championship game. The date and time of the championship game have not yet been announced by the NCAA, but details will be available on the NCAA website. The Bearcats will undoubtedly prepare for a tough battle, but their stunning victory over Nova Southeastern has proven they are capable of competing with the best teams in Division II basketball.
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