Babson's Charlie Rice (24) and Nick Comenale (21) defend Augustana's Nolan Ebel (14) as he shoots during the first half of the NCAA Division III college basketball championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, in Salem, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)
SALEM, Va. (AP) Joey Flannery scored 23 points and blocked a potential game-winning shot from in close in the final seconds, lifting Babson to its first Division III men's basketball national championship, 79-78 over Augustana on Saturday night.
Isaiah Nelsen added 18 points and Nick Comenale had 16 for the Beavers (31-2), who used a 25-3 run late in the final half to lead 41-31 at halftime, then held off a furious rally in the closing minutes. The Beavers had reached the final after erasing a 45-20 deficit in Friday night's semifinals, beating Whitman 91-85.
Nolan Ebel scored 20 points to lead the Vikings (24-9). Jacob Johnston added 15 points and Chrishawn Orange had 14.
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