Whitworth men fall in sectional final of D-III hoops tournament

WOOSTER, Ohio - Top-ranked Whitworth's season came to an end after a 76-66 loss at 5th-ranked Wooster in the sectional final of the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament Saturday night at Timken Gymnasium.

The Pirates end the season 28-2, the most victories in school history. The Fighting Scots (30-2) advance to their third final four since 2004.

Michael Taylor of Whitworth led all players with 25 points on 8-of-20 shooting. Jack Loofburrow came off of the bench for 14 points, and Felix Friedt scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. David Riley scored all 11 of his points in the second half.

Two-time North Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year Ian Franks led Wooster with 19 points. Reserve guard Justin Warnes, averaging 3.3 points per game, added 11 points.

Wooster will play Williams in one of Friday's NCAA Division III semifinals. It is a rematch of a 2003 semifinal between the schools.

Whitworth came within a game of becoming the first school from the west coast to reach the NCAA Division III men's final four since 1982.