Southern Polytechnic's high-flying basketball fell in the round of 16 in the NAIA national tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the second round, SPSU took on a close rival in Life College and learned why the Running Eagles were the #1 seed in the tourney. The two schools are less than a mile apart in Marietta and had played back on Dec. 6th. The Hornets played the Eagles close, but lost by a score of 98-91.

The National Tournament game was a completely different story as Life had their way with the Hornets. The Eagles full-court pressure did all of the damage as they built an insurmountable 44-22 lead at the intermission. The Hornets were visibly shaken by the pressure as they finished the first half with an uncharacteristic 14 turnovers.

The second half was no different as the Eagles were faster, more physical, and quicker to every loose ball. The Hornets struggled from the field as they shot a dismal 39%. The Hornets mounted a small charge by cutting the lead to 15 with 9:00 to play, but Life responded and quickly built the lead back to 22 with 6:00 to go. Life finished the game shooting 49% from the floor and handed the Hornets their worst loss of the year at 90-65.

"We were never in the game. Life showed why they are the #1 team in the country and we did not have any answers today," said SPSU Head Coach Mike Helfer. "We were out of rhythm from the jump ball and never made a big run. We played one of our worst games of the year, but Life had a lot to do with that."

"This loss does not take away from our success this year and our experience at the National Tournament. We are only losing two seniors and I think we have established our goals for next year, and that is to be playing back here in Tulsa next March."

SPSU was led in scoring against Life by Shuron Washington who finished with 18 points on 7 of 12 shooting. Duwand Jackson had 15 for the Hornets as the only other player in double digits.

SPSU finished the season with a 28-7 overall record. They will enter the 2000-01 campaign as the defending GACC Champions and should be a preseason top-ten team in the country. The expectations will be high and the road to a repeat championship will be difficult, but the Hornets will be ready to go with 13 returning lettermen, including 4 starters. "We are excited about this year and will be ready to defend our championship. The expectations go along with the success of your program and that is where we want to be," said Coach Helfer.

An inter-campus celebration for the Hornets will be held April 5.