With 58 seconds remaining, RedHawk guard James Justice (Junior/Memphis, Tenn.) hit a three-point basket from the wing to cut the William Jewell lead to one (83-82). On the next possession, Justice intercepted a Cardinal pass and hit guard Ree McCrory (Junior/Columbus, Ga.) for the go ahead layup, 84-83, with 36 seconds left in regulation. William Jewell had a pair of opportunities miss the mark as Martin Methodist advances to second round play for the second time in school history.

The win improves the Redhawks to 32-2 on the season, while extending their win streak to five. Martin Methodist will face No. 12 Tougaloo College (Miss.) on Friday at 4:30 p.m.

RedHawk forward LaQuantis Stewart (Junior/Batesburg-Leesville, S.C.) registered a career-high 24 points and added eight rebounds off the bench, while Justice added 18 points, including three three-point baskets. Forward Chris Leggett (Senior/Meridian, Miss.) just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds for Martin Methodist, who held a 37-31 advantage in rebounding. The Redhawks ended the contest shooting 50.0 percent (34-of-68) from the field and 72.2 percent (13-of-18) from the foul line.

Senior guard Adam Johnston hit a three-pointer to cap a 17-10 William Jewell run to open the game. Martin Methodist hung close before back-to-back steals and dunks by Justice and guard EJ Kirby (Junior/Houston, Texas) to tie the score 21-21. Martin Methodist outscored the Cardinals 8-2 over the final 3:23 of the half to take a 38-33 into the break.

The second period went back and forth, including eight ties and eight lead changes. Neither team grew a lead larger than eight points. Trailing 81-73, the Redhawks reeled off a 13-2 run to earn the one point victory.

Senior forward Jonathan Benson and junior guard Chris Uz paced the William Jewell offense with 21 points apiece. Uz ended the contest with a game-high five three-point baskets. Junior center Nick Larson helped out with 18 points and nine rebounds to just miss a double-double. William Jewell, which was making its eighth appearance at the NAIA National Championship, closed out its season with a 25-7 record.