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- Bulldogs advance to third straight National Tournament
Bulldogs advance to third straight National Tournament
3/10/2009
SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Men's Basketball Team defeated Triton 67-61, earning the Bulldogs a third consecutive Region-IV Championship Saturday night. Sophomore guard Nick Carey was named to the All-Tournament Team, and sophomore forward Bradley Birton was named Tournament MVP. Head Coach John Pigatti was named Region-IV Coach of the Year for the third time in his three seasons with SSC. The Bulldogs are currently 28–5 on the season and are the 6th ranked team in National Junior College Athletic Association Division II.
"It is a great feeling to three-peat with three straight Regional Championships," said Coach Pigatti. "This one feels particularly special because of all the adversity we had to overcome throughout the year. During the season, we lost four of our top players to injuries."
Pigatti added, "Tonight we had to win the Championship Game on the road in front of a very hostile crowd at Triton. I do want to thank the fans who attended the game–their support meant a lot to the players and helped lead us to victory."
South Suburban College will now compete in the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament at Danville Area College in Danville, IL, from March 18-21. The Bulldogs' first-round game will take place on Wednesday, March 18th at 6:00 p.m. vs. the #1 ranked-team in the country–Columbus State Community College. With a win, the Bulldogs would play Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m.; with a loss, the Bulldogs would play Friday morning at 11:00 a.m. All of the remaining games will be broadcast on WJOB (AM 1230).
"It is now time to focus in on the national tournament–we are excited about the opportunity to play the #1 team in the country in the first round," said Coach Pigatti. "It will be an honor to represent Region IV-A, and we will do everything in our power to make the South Suburban College community proud."
For more information, please contact Coach Pigatti at 708-596-2000 x2524. South Suburban College is a community college located at 15800 South State Street South Holland, IL.