South Atlantic Regional Championship: Wingate 73, Virginia Union 56

South Atlantic Regional Championship:
Wingate 73, Virginia Union 56

March 13, 2007
 
Augusta, Ga.----Wingate University senior forward Shaun Kirkland (Allendale, S.C.) exploded for career-highs of 27 points and 13 rebounds as the Bulldogs defeated number 16 Virginia Union University 73-56 in the championship game of the 2007 NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional men's basketball tournament Tuesday night at Augusta State University.

Wingate is 25-8 overall, while Virginia Union falls to 23-6 overall. The Bulldogs will face Cal State San Bernardino Wednesday, March 21 in the Elite Eight. Wingate is the first men's basketball team from the South Atlantic Conference to advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. Prior to 2007, only two other SAC men's basketball teams (Catawba in 1998, Presbyterian in 2003) had advanced to the Sweet 16.

Bulldog junior guard/forward Sean Barnette (Rock Hill, S.C.) added a double-double as well with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Kirkland was voted tourney MVP with Barnette joining him on the All-Tournament team. Senior forward Chris Greene led Virginia Union with 17 points.