Hutchinson defeats Eastern Florida for DI MBB title
Blue Dragons capture third championship in program history
CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL | BOX SCORE | AWARDS
HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- The Blue Dragons of Hutchinson won their first national championship in NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball since 1994 with a dominant 84-58 victory Saturday night over Eastern Florida State in front of a capacity crowd at the newly renovated Sports Arena.
The Blue Dragons jumped out to a 21-4 lead and never looked back. Shakir Juiston led Hutchinson with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. The unanimous choice for Tournament MVP honors, Juiston led all players in the tournament in points (88), rebounds (56) and assists (20).
Devonte Bandoo came off the bench for a game-high 22 points for Hutchinson.
Eastern Florida State got 14 points from Shaq Carter.
Hutchinson captures its first national title since 1994 - third overall (1988, 1994, 2017) - and ends the season at 35-2.
The Titans end the season as the national runner-up in their first-ever appearance in the national title game and with a record of 31-6.
For more coverage of The Tournament, visit www.njcaahutchtourney.com.
Photos courtesy of The Hutchinson News