POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. (Box Score) - Fourth-seeded Bellevue (Neb.) shut down one of the best scoring offenses and defeated IU Southeast 71-65 in Saturday's second quarterfinal game. The Bruins advance to play in Monday's semifinal round where they will face top-seeded Walsh (Ohio).

IU Southeast, playing in its first national quarterfinals, came into the tournament with the fifth best scoring offense in the NAIA at 88 points per game. It was the Bruins', however, that would dictate the pace and style of play right from the start, limiting the Grenadiers to just 30% in the first half. With the score 24-20, Bellevue held the Grenadiers to just one field goal over the final 8:30 to take a 33-24 lead into halftime. Bruins' guard Avery Tyler was the offensive spark, scoring 16 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting performance in the opening half.

The Grenadiers scored six of the first eight points to start the second half and were within five (35-30) before tying the game at 43 on a three-point play by Rick Bodiford. Bellevue responded by scoring the next 10 points capped off by a jumper by Tyler to give the Bruins' a 10-point lead with eight minutes to play. IU Southeast made one last charge to pull within six during the final minutes but the Bruins held on and advance to their third semifinals.

Bellevue was led by Tyler who scored a game-high 27 points and pulled down five rebounds. Antonio Dade grabbed a tournament best 16 rebounds to go with five points and Marcos Perez added nine points off the bench. The Bruins shot 46% from the field and made a living at the foul line, making 20-of-31 free throw attempts. They also controlled the boards, holding a 41-33 advantage on the glass.

The Grenadiers shot 32% for the game, well below its season average of 48%. Rick Bodiford was among five Grenadier players in double figures with 14 points. George White had 13 and Jazzmarr Ferguson netted 11 to go with five boards and two assists. IU Southeast closes the season with a 27-5 overall record.

IU Southeast Head Coach Wiley Brown liked his team's effort but was disappointed that shots did not find their mark for the Grenadiers; "All year long we wanted to contend for a national championship, today we had our opportunities but the shots just didn't fall for us."

After the game Coach Brown was quick to thank his departing seniors for their efforts. "No matter the result of this game, our seven seniors are very special. They have carried to this program to a level of national recognition. They should be very proud of everything they have accomplished," Brown said. "I know that I'm proud."

Despite the loss, this year's Grenadier men broke many records this season. This team was the highest ranked NAIA team ever in school history and advanced further in the national tournament than any previous team in IU Southeast men's basketball history.

"They are all exceptional young men and have earned their claim of IU Southeast school history," said Brown. "For that, they should be proud."

Bellevue (28-7) will face top-seed Walsh (Ohio) in the first semifinal game on Monday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. Both teams are making their third appearance in the semifinals.