UNG wraps up historic season in Elite Eight

"While today includes some pain and includes some disappointment and probably some regret that you've got to live with in this sport, it doesn't take away from what we've done, what we've accomplished and what we're building," head coach Dan Evans said. "If you're willing individually to pour into something that's larger than you, you open the door to things that are tremendous and are lifelong memories."

Hunter Shedenhelm, a senior guard who scored 10 points, said the Nighthawks' determination shone through after they fell behind.

"We know we deserved to be here. We have faith in each other," Shedenhelm said. "We're going to fight until the very end, no matter what. We love the sport of basketball. We're going to give everything on the floor."

Junior forward Frank Champion, who was named a National Association of Basketball Coaches All-American earlier that day, tallied a team-high 19 points, and sophomore point guard AJ White added 16 points. Sophomore center Colin Turner scored 10 points.

"You can't put your head down. Basketball is a game of runs," Champion said. "I'm proud of us for giving that fight."