Colorado Christian University Basketball is just one game away from an NCCAA National Championship. A Friday win over #1 seed Lee University assured that, as the Cougars cruised to an 88-74 semi-final win. Now just one team stands in the way of CCU and the program's first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association title.

The fourth-seeded Central Region Champion Cougars earned their trip to the final by knocking off opponents Cincinnati Christian and Lee in the first two rounds of play. Though their opener against Cincinnati Christian's Eagles found the Cougars struggling to score, the blue and gold recovered their offensive groove against LU. An aggressive Christian squad went on the attack from the game's first horn, jumping on top of the Flames and never loosening their grip. 

"We started on a big run and never looked back," reflected CCU Coach Kevin Lubbers.

The lopsided contest was all CCU for 40 minutes. The Cougars launched leads as large as 25 points, thanks to an efficient and aggressive assault that got them to the foul line 33 times. Lee's Flames, on the other hand, managed just 15 tries from the charity stripe, scoring nine points to CCU's 28.

Tyler Shields and Zach McLemore combined for a 19-for-22 effort at the line, more than doubling LU's free points. 

Of course, though their offense looked sharp, it was the Cougar defense that earned them the win. Relentless and unyielding, CCU stunted the Flames with a bothersome pressure than forced the tournament's top seed into 20 turnovers. The Christian squad feasted on Lee's misfortune, scoring 21 points off LU giveaways.

CCU Coach Kevin Lubbers was reflected on his team's effort in the semi-final game.

"We did a great job defensively again today. I am really proud of our guys for their play and attention to detail, as well as of our assistant coaches for all their work to prepare our team. We are excited for Saturday and thankful for the opportunity to play."

The Cougar squad will likely lean on senior Michael Brown in Saturday's title game - Brown enters the contest with a 24 point-per-game average in the NCCAA post-season. Against the Flames, Brown led all players with 26 points and eight rebounds. Shields added 21 after his clutch effort from the line in addition to a nine-point showing from downtown.

CCU will clash Saturday with NCAA DII and Central Region opponent Dallas Baptist. The meeting will be the third between the teams this season - DBU won 93-89 in November, but Christian upended the Patriots 81-67 in last weekend's Central Region title game.

Tipoff is slated for noon MST on Saturday.