‘March Madness’ goes local: Chatting with Northwestern Eagles men’s basketball about their National Championship
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While local basketballers Jalen Suggs and Paige Buckers made waves in the NCAA Final Four this year, the men’s basketball team at the University of Northwestern, St Paul added to the special month for local hoops by landing a national championship of their own.
Click the video box on this page to see the Northwestern Eagles celebrate their NCCAA National Championship and interviews with National Tourney MVP Kyle Kaemingk and Eagles head coach Tim Grosz about the experience of winning a title
The Eagles narrowly earned a spot in the NCCAA National Tournament, needing a buzzer-beater in the Regional Final by Maple Grove-grad Henry Fahnbulleh to advance.
The momentum from that thriller put wind in their sails as they traveled to Winona Lake, Indiana for the National Christian College Athletic Association tournament.
The Eagles opened the national tournament with a 67-65 win over Lancaster Bible, which gave head coach Tim Grosz’ 400 career wins.
The University of Northwestern men's basketball team poses with the championship banner after winning the NCCAA title[UNW Eagles]
They had another tight one in the semifinals, but survived a 79-76 game against Grace College to advance to the championship.
In the title game, the Eagles pulled away from Ottawa University (AZ) claiming the National Championship with am 82-79 win.
Woodbury-native Kyle Kaemingk earned the Most Outstanding Player honor at the tournament.
It’s the Eagles second championship under Grosz, following up on their 2010 title. They also advances to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA D-III playoffs in 2015.