Northland Community and Technical College's bid for a national championship came up short Saturday night when Sullivan County of New York beat the Pioneers 74-68 in the NJCAA Division III title game in Delhi, N.Y.
Sullivan County, the country's No. 1-ranked team, improved to 32-0, while Northland ended its season at 29-5.
The loss also snapped Northland's 26-game win streak. Northland led 38-36 at halftime, but Sullivan gained control late in the second half to seal its undefeated season.
But the Pioneers went to the national tournament with a young team. Only one sophomore - point guard Brandon Fontes - is on the roster.
"I like our chances," Northland coach Rick Nikunen said in a radio interview, referring to the Pioneers' outlook for next season. "There are some holes we need to fill."
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Kyrk Freeman led Northland with 22 points, while Trumaine Johnson added nine.
Freeman was on the all-tournament team.
Northland advanced to the national tournament after winning the Minnesota Community College Conference title and the Region XIII tournament. The Pioneers beat Central Lakes Community College to advance to the national tournament. Northland women
Northland Community and Technical College went on a late 10-0 run to beat Holyoke Community College of Massachusetts 76-74 in overtime Saturday to take seventh place in the NJCAA Division III national tournament in Utica, N.Y.
The Pioneers scored at the buzzer to force overtime. Holyoke opened the extra session by scoring the first eight points. Northland responded with a 10-0 run.
Jackie Fossum led Northland with 22 points, while Amber Stirling finished with 16.
Tara Henson led Holyoke with 15 ponits.
Northland closed the season at 15-18.
