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Photo by Ralph Schudel

Tiffin University's dream run through the 2020-21 postseason came to an end in the NCAA Atlantic Region Championship, as the Dragons fell to top-seed Charleston 82-52.

The Dragons, who finish with an 18-9 record and a first-time appearance in the Sweet Sixteen, were undone by a nightmare second quarter, when the Eagles had everything go right and outscored TU 30-7. 

After battling the Eagles throughout the first quarter to an 11-11 tie, foul trouble and turnovers started to plague the Dragons. The Dragons had 13 turnovers in the first half along with 13 personal fouls, giving the Eagles numerous chances to put points on the board. At halftime the Dragons trailed 41-18.

Tiffin, which had battled back numerous times in the postseason from second-half deficits, found this mountain too steep to climb. The Eagles pushed their lead to 30 points midway through the third quarter and were content to simply keep pace with TU and not allow any major runs to develop.

Tiffin was outshot in the game 46 percent to 30 percent, including a big 47 percent to 18 percent margin from three point land. Charleston enjoyed a 17-7 edge in points off turnovers and a 34-22 paint edge.

Jada Tate was the lone Dragons player in double figures, scoring 13 points with 7 rebounds, while Aarion Nichols had 8 points and 11 rebounds. Savanah Richards also had 9 points.