ALLIANCE, OH- The Highlanders stellar season came to an end Friday night when they fell to #5 ranked and current tournament favorite Mount Union University in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
 
Despite facing an incredibly-talented Purple Raider squad, the Highlanders entered cautiously optimistic and poised for an upset. While the final tally may appear a bit lopsided, Cairn truly played a solid basketball game. The Highlanders battled hard on the boards and were certainly not afraid of the moment in front of 1,500 screaming Purple Raider fans. The Highlanders simply ran into an all-time great performance from Mount Union guard Collen Gurley. Gurley finished with 11 threes, knocking down 8 in the first half to set the Mount Union record and come just one short of the single game DIII Tournament record. The Highlanders fought, playing an excellent second half and scoring 45 points to Mount Unions 51 but the Purple Raiders' first half lead proved insurmountable.
 
Cairn saw excellent performances from a number of their usual suspects, while also seeing an excellent game from freshman Dashaun Cain. Cain (17 points) and senior Julian Collazo (18 points) relentlessly attacked the rim, finishing around Mount Union's imposing front line and leading the Highlanders offense. Malachi Hall and Jeremiah Harris each played their consistent brand of basketball, notching 13 points as well.
 
Cairn will look back on this season with nothing but fond memories. The Highlanders won their first CSAC Championship, made their first NCAA tournament appearance, and capped off the careers of their six program-changing seniors in a very fitting fashion. Thank you so much to all of the Highlander fans who made the trip or watched from afar, and a special thank you to each member of the Cairn basketball program for bringing us along for the ride!