Bechtold, Walton Lead Princeton To Tournament Title

Dec. 2, 2000

Box Score

Muncie, Ind. - One week after a tough bus ride home from Monmouth, the Princeton men's basketball team could fly back from the First Merchants Classic on its confidence alone.

The Princeton men's basketball team completed a stunning weekend turnaround, knocking off host Ball State 49-47 to win the tournament championship Saturday night. Princeton had defeated Weber State 65-60 in overtime Friday night in the opening game of the event.

The two victories, the first of John Thompson's career, evened the Tigers' record at 2-2 after opening losses to Duke and Monmouth. The second one, 70-59 last Saturday, left Princeton with some shaken confidence as it came to Indiana.

"I don't think you can overstate how big this was for us," Thompson said. In a second half filled with rallies, Princeton executed when it needed it most and then held off two opportunities in the final half-minute from the Cardinals.

"This is a big boost for us," said Princeon's Mike Bechtold. "I think everyone was questioning where we were after we lost to Monmouth. It was important for us to get victories out here. I think we were ready to go, and once we saw we could play with these guys, we were in fine. We're going to take a lot away from this tournament."

Trailing 28-20 after an 8-0 Ball State run, Princeton went on a 17-4 run of its own, but Ball State answered and eventually led 45-41 with 4:44 remaining. Nate Walton then put back on offensive rebound to make it 45-43 with 4:21 left, and C.J. Chapman put Princeton on top for good with his only basket of the night, a three-pointer with 3:35 left.

Walton then took a perfect backdoor pass from Kyle Wente and converted a three-point play with 2:48 to go to build the lead to four, but the Tigers were not safe. Theron Smith made a pair of free throws with 2:11 left, and Princeton then had Andre Logan and C.J. Chapman miss the front end of one-and-ones, giving the Cardinals two more chances. One ended when Josh Murray missed two foul shots with 12 seconds left, and then the last chance, a jumper by tournament MVP Smith from the baseline, was no good. Eugene Baah slapped the ball away, and Princeton had the win.

Walton, who had a career high 15 points and five rebounds, and Bechtold, who had 14 against Ball State after having 13 against Weber State, were named to the all-tournament team.

Ed Persia had eight points and three assists for the Tigers, who shot 7 for 23 in the first half and 12 for 19 in the second half.

Princeton plays at Lafayette Wednesday night (8 p.m.) before its home opener next Saturday against Xavier.

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