HUTCHINSON, Kansas- The 2016 NJCAA National Champions are the Bruins of Salt Lake Community College. No. 13 SLCC defeated the No. 7 Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College 74-64 on their home court to secure the title. This is Salt Lakes' second National Championship, the first being in 2009. This is the first National Title with Head Coach Todd Phillips at the helm. Coach Phillips was also named the Coach of the Tournament.  
 
"It's a little surreal feeling right now," Head Coach Todd Phillips said. "Everyday after a win you are back to preparing for the next game, being up till two in the morning with your assistants. It's finally starting to sink in. I'm so excited for the kids and so grateful for the assistants who have sacrificed their time and have put so much effort into this team."
 
The Bruins were led by the NJCAA William B French Most Valuable Player Conner Toolson who scored a game-high 28 points. All-Tournament Team inductee Tyler Rawson recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Tad Dufelmeier won the Charles Sesher Sportsmanship Award, as well as, found himself on the All-Tournament list. Dufelmeier had six points and six assists for the night.  
 
Salt Lake came out strong going on a quick 8-0 run in the first four minutes of the game. At the first media timeout the Bruins saw themselves up 13-5 after a Toolson tip in. The Blue Dragons came knocking on the door and was able to bring the game within six in the first half. SLCC pressed forward and extended their lead going into half up 42-27.  
 
The Bruins largest lead was by 18 which was in the first minutes of the second half. Hutchinson made a run in the final three minutes of the game and was able to cut the deficit to four points but that was the closest they would come to Salt Lake.
 
"Tonight the kids played consisted like they did all week," Coach Phillips said. "They were able to come out strong and dictated the tempo of the game. We were able to make big shots and big stops on defense. We were able to control game like we have been able to do all week."
 
The Bruins made 27 points off three's while Hutch was held to six. They tallied 15 second chance points and averaged 1.10 points per possession.  The amazing Salt Lake defense was able to hold the Blue Dragons to a 35.5 shooting percentage from the field and 9.09 percent from behind the arc.
 
The Bruins took a long road getting to the Championship playing in every round of the tournament. First it was No. 20 Northeast Mississippi (77-64). Then No. 4 Odessa (92-86) to get into the Elite Eight. Next was No. 12 Southwest Tennessee (105-76). Followed by No. 8 Gillette College in the Final Four (83-47) before beating No. 7 Hutchinson for the title.
 
"It was a long road with five game in six days but the boys were able to sustained their effort, sustained their defense, and intensity and were able keep a consistent effort through out the Tournament," said Coach Phillips.  
 
Salt Lake ends their season with a 31-8 overall record, the title of Region 18 Champs, District 1 Champs and now the title NJCAA National Champions.