Thursday, November 25, 2010

PLAYA del CARMEN, Mexico --The old adage that defense wins championships proved true Wednesday as the University of North Florida men's basketball team used a smothering defense to overcome Morgan State for a 59-52 victory in the championship game of the Cancun Challenge - Mayan Division bracket.

A day after tallying a season-high point total, UNF (3-3) turned to its defense in the championship game holding the Bears (2-3) to just 32 percent (20-62) shooting for the game including a frigid 1-of-11 performance from the three-point line.

The tournament championship marks the second consecutive year that head coach Matthew Driscoll has guided the Ospreys a tournament trophy. Last season, UNF claimed the title at the Southern Miss Christmas Classic.

Sophomore Jerron Granberry was named the Tournament MVP with junior teammate Jimmy Williams also earning All-Tournament honors.

A trio of Osprey players tallied double digits against Morgan State with Andy Diaz, Matt Sauey and Parker Smith each collecting 11 points in the victory. Williams chipped in nine points while Granberry finished with eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.