Joplin, MO: The Golden Eagles matched up against #6 team in the NJCAA DII National Tournament Mesa Thunderbirds. The TBirds would jump out going on a 8-2 run to take an early lead over RVC before the Golden Eagles would go on a 6-2 run of their own to bring the game within 2 points before Mesa would later explode to push their lead back out to 17-8 to finish the first quarter.

The second quarter would be the same story for the Golden Eagles as Mesa would continue to build their lead up to as much as 19 points before RVC would end the half on a 8-0 run to cut the lead to 11 points. "Mesa is a good team that takes advantage of every possession on the offensive end and defensive end of the floor. Their pressure caused some problems for us through out the game." Stated Head Coach Darryl Watkins

In the second half the Golden Eagles would battle back and forth before eventually cutting the lead with four points. This would be as close as it would get for Rock Valley as Mesa would make a key 3 pointer and free-throws to close out the game. "Mesa is a good team disciplined and when you only show up to play for a half of basketball against a good team you dont always have enough left in the tank to get it done I'm proud of the way we competed in the second half but our slow start was what doomed us." Stated Watkins

UP NEXT:
The Golden Eagles will get one more guaranteed opportunity to compete as they face #5 Iowa Western today at 1pm central time in the Semi-Final of the Fifth Place bracket.