Amherst beats Mary Hardin-Baylor 87-70 behind balanced scoring for Division III championship

Amherst guard Aaron Toomey, front, and Mary Hardin-Baylor guard Brian Todd vie for a loose ball during the first half of the NCAA college Division lll national championship basketball game on Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis) (The Associated Press)

6478c319-Mary Hardin Baylor Amherst Basketball

Amherst center Peter Kaasila, left, and Mary Hardin-Baylor guard Brian Toddd vie for a rebound during the half of the NCAA college Division lll national championship basketball game on Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis) (The Associated Press)

ATLANTA – Allen Williamson had 18 points and Amherst got plenty of scoring from across its deep and balanced lineup, pulling away late to beat Mary Hardin-Baylor 87-70 on Sunday and win its second Division III national championship.

Connor Green and national player of the year Aaron Toomey scored 16 points each, and Willy Workman had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Lord Jeffs (30-2), who were making their first appearance in the national championship game since 2008.

The victory over the Crusaders (27-6) pushed Amherst's season-ending win streak to a school-record 24 games, and matched the school record for wins in a season, set by the 2007 team that won the Massachusetts school's only other national championship.

Thomas Orr had 24 points and 11 rebounds for Mary Hardin-Baylor, which has never won an NCAA team championship in any sport. Brian Todd added 17 points and James Allen finished with 15.