WINONA LAKE, IND. – The OUAZ men's basketball team is known for its resilience, and Friday was the perfect example. Trailing most of the second half against Union College, the Spirit fought all the way back to tie the game with three minutes to go.

With three seconds remaining and OUAZ trailing by one, Elijah Simmons was fouled attempting catch a long inbounds pass. After tying the game at the free throw line, the Spirit forced a turnover and a desperation three-point attempt by Jacob Henry fell just off the front of the rim, sending the game to overtime.

While the Spirit would be on the wrong end of the final score at the end of overtime, 88-85, they turned a game that was getting away into the best game of the NAIA National Championship First Round. OUAZ would outscore the Bulldogs 40-29 over the last 17:50 to force overtime.

McKay Bundy was spectacular once again, scoring 27 points to go along with eight rebounds and a block. Bundy made 10 of his 17 shots from the floor, and six of seven from the free throw line.

Bryce Fitzgerald had a double-double, going for 17 points and 11 rebounds. Fitzgerald shot over 50%, and was perfect on all of his free throw attempts.

Elijah Simmons finished his OUAZ career with a fantastic performance, scoring 17 points off the bench for the Spirit. Simmons shot 66.7% for the contest, sunk nine free throws, grabbed three rebounds, and had a block.

The great OUAZ men's basketball season comes to an end with its third straight NAIA National Championships appearance. For the latest information on the program, be sure to visit ouazspirit.com.