Berkeley College (NY) Captures Men's Division II Basketball National Championship

RECORDS: Berkeley College (NY) 22-5, Penn State Mont Alto 19-13

LOCATION: 2015 USCAA Basketball National Championship, Uniontown, Pennsylvania

IN BRIEF: Third seeded Berkeley College (NY) outlasts ninth seeded Penn State Mont Alto to capture the 2015 USCAA Men's Division II Basketball National Championship. 1st Team USCAA All-American, Kenton Chan-Man paced the Knights with a game-high 20 points and 8 rebounds.  In addition, due to his outstanding play throughout the tournament, Chan-Man was named the All-Tournament Most Valuable Player. 

ON THE COURT: Penn State Mont Alto jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, but that would be the last time they would hold a lead throughout the game. The Knights countered with an 8-0 run of their own that was sparked by Stephon Jennings's jump shot and put back slam. 

However, the game became a defensive struggle for the remainder of the half as it featured both teams shooting 32% from the field. Though, the Knights were able to capitalize on 13 Nittany Lions turnovers for 12 points. Also plaguing the Nittany Lions during the first half were free throws as they went 0-5 in the half and 4-18 (22%) for the game.

The Nittany Lions rallied back in the second half behind 9 points from Devonte Merritt. Penn State was able to tie up the ball game on three different occasions in the last seven minutes of regulation, but could not get over the hump to take their first lead since the 18-minute mark of the first half. With seven seconds left, Coach Jake Schenzel, drew up a play that was executed perfectly by his team as Merritt was able to put in a layup with 2 seconds left to force overtime. 

In the overtime session, Tournament MVP, Kenton Chan-Man put his team on his back as he scored 7 of the teams 9 points. With seven seconds left in overtime, the Nittany Lions had an opportunity to force double-overtime. With time winding down and down three, Corey Myers attempted a three point shot from the right wing, but was fouled on the play to go to the line for three free throws.  With two seconds remaining on the clock, Myers missed the first to force him into a situation where he intentionally missed the last free throw. As Myers missed the last free throw, the rebound was lost out of bounds, which ultimately sealed the game and the National Championship for the Knights of Berkeley College (NY). 

Along with Chan-Man, the Knights were led by Keenan Langston who contributed 15 points while Stephon Jennings pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds.  Penn State Mont Alto was led by Devonte Merritt's double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. 

2015 USCAA All-Tournament Team

2015 USCAA All-Tournament Most Valuable Player