Wade Chitwood Assists as Northwestern College Eagles Secure NCCAA National Championship

First NCCAA Division I championship title in Eagles history

ST.PAUL, MN (03/24/2010)(readMedia)-- The Northwestern College Eagles won their first National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament on March 20, defeating the King College Tornados (Tenn.) 58-54.

Wade Chitwood, of Grinnell, played a critical role in securing the championship title scoring a critical three-pointer during the last quarter of the game. Grinnell is pursuing a degree in Accounting at Northwestern.

Northwestern led early in Saturday's game until King drained back-to-back three-pointers in the first half. The Tornados remained six points ahead of the Eagles at halftime.

Northwestern, who trailed by 11 points midway through Saturday's game, took the lead on a three-pointer, breaking a 49-49 tie before winning by four. While a number of big shots secured Northwestern's victory, it was the team's defense that kept top-seeded King in check. The Eagles stepped it up to secure a 58-54 victory and their first-ever NCCAA Division I National Championship.

Northwestern, who was dubbed the tournament's Cinderella squad, finished the 2009-10 campaign with a 22-7 overall record, winning 18 of its final 19 games of the season. The Eagles' 22 victories ranks second only to that of the 1997-98 team that won 25 games.

For more information about the Northwestern College Eagles their journey to the title, visit nwceagles.com.

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About Northwestern College

Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minn. offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, two master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. More than 3,000 students representing 31 states and 28 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and graduate and continuing education programs in North and South America. Northwestern College exists to provide Christ-centered higher education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community, and world. Visit www.nwc.edu.