Chipola Indians Finish in Final Four of National Tournament

The Chipola Indians’ season ended in the final four of the NJCAA National Tournament with a 70-68 loss to Salt Lake on March 18.

The Indians started off with an eight point lead seven minutes into the game. Chipola held the lead through most of the first half until just over two minutes left when Salt Lake evened the score 30-29.

The Indians regained the lead, 43-42, on a put back by Achor Achor. The teams exchanged baskets as Salt Lake pushed ahead 53-52 with 10:32 remaining in the semifinal game. With 2:22 left in the game, Nae'qwan Tomlin hit a pair of free throws to give Chipola a 65-64 lead.

Salt Lake ended a 9-0 run by the Indians and regained the lead with 1:55 remaining following a missed three-point attempt that was tipped in following the rebound.

After Lance Erving made one of two free throws to tie the game, Achor Achor hit two free throws to give the Indians a 68-66 advantage with one minute left on the clock.

Salt Lake tied the game with 40 seconds remaining on a mid-range jumper and blocked Kris Gardner's layup on the other end with 14 seconds remaining.

After Salt Lake made two shots to take a 70-68 lead, the Indians had a shot with 2.7 seconds remaining. Kris Gardner inbounded the ball to Lance Erving who heaved it up from just inside the midcourt stripe. Erving's shot hit the back iron as the buzzer sounded, ending the game.

Chipola made it to the final four with a 70-49 win over Harcum College on March 17 and an 85-62 win over Hutchinson on March 16.

The Indians also beat Indian River 73-64 on March 5 to take the FCSAA State men’s state title.

The Indians finished 30-6 on the year and won the Panhandle Conference title and the FCSAA State Championship in Coach Donnie Tyndall's second season.

Tyndall was named FCSAA Coach of the Year. State Tournament MVP Nae'qwan Tomlin joined fellow Chipola players, Kris Gardner and Lance Erving on the State All-Tournament Team. Tomlin also was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team.

Chipola has 15 FCSAA men’s state titles, more than any other college in Florida.