The #1 seeded and nationally 3rd ranked Tigers opened up March Madness for all of College basketball today in Manhattan, KS. As they took on the 8th seeded Barclay Bears out of Haviland, KS.  

Champion took control of the game early heading into the break up by 16, with the score 54-36. The second half was a back and forth affair, seeing the Tigers stretch the lead out to 20, before the Bears went on a quick 13-0 run to close the lead to 7, at 79-72. The Tigers were able to lock in defensively leading to key stops down the stretch to close out the game, with a final score 92-74.

Champion used a balanced attack in the win, with 4 players in double figures. Kentrell Jacobs poured in 18 points to go along with 7 rebounds, Braylon Hawkins added 18 points and 12 boards, D'Andre Butler chipped in 18 points with 5 steals, Cameron Dismuke rounded out the Tigers in double figures with 11 points and 8 rebounds.  

The 3rd ranked Tigers will return to action on Friday at 1:00pm, as they take on the 8th ranked Randall Saints in the NCCAA D2 Southwest Regional semifinal.