EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Jaizec Lottie scored 19 of his team-high 29 points in the second half as No. 8 (NABC Division II Top 25) Flagler College edged No. 7 Truman State University 70-69 in a NCAA Division II National Championship quarterfinal game Wednesday night at the Ford Center.  

Flagler (18-2), the No. 3 seed in the elite eight, won its 16^th consecutive game and will play in its first final four in the program's history tomorrow against defending national champion (2018-19) Northwest Missouri State University at 9:45 p.m. Truman State, the No. 6 seed, concluded its season with a 20-3 record.

"I am lucky to coach these guys," said head coach Chad Warner. "They play with guts and togetherness and they found a way tonight. It's time to get some quick rest and lay it on the line again tomorrow night."

The Saints chipped away at an 11-point second half deficit and took a lead midway through the half until a Cade McKnight three-pointer gave the Bulldogs a 62-21 lead with 6:28 left.

Flagler kept it close and with 10 seconds left, Chris Metzger was fouled as he drove to the basket. His first free throw tied the game at 69. After a 30-second timeout was called by Truman, Metzger sank the second attempt to give the Saints the lead.

Both teams exchanged timeouts with seven seconds left. Turner Scott was able to get a shot up at the buzzer, but the ball clanged off the side of the rim.

Lottie, a consensus All-American, was contained to 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting in the first half. In the second half, he made 6-of-14 from the field, was 2-for-4 from three-point range, and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line. Lottie added four assists and three steals to his line.

Derrick Ellis, Jr. added 17 points in his return to the Ford Center. He played in the national quarterfinals for Mercyhurst University at the end of the 2018-19 season. Metzger added 10 points and six rebounds. He had a monster dunk to open the game.

The Saints forced 11 Bulldog turnovers but made the most of them as they cashed those in for 18 points.

McKnight, a consensus All-American himself, poured in a game-high 34 points, 25 of which came in the first half. He completed the double-double with a game-high 13 rebounds. Scott added 14 points.

Truman out-rebounded Flagler 50-29 and had 14 offensive boards that led to 12 points.  




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