Western Washington's Richard Woodworth

(Mar. 24) -- HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. -- Western Washington used a 17-4 spurt in the second half to take the lead for good and captured its first NCAA Division II men's basketball title in the process with a 72-65 win Saturday afternoon over Montevallo.

The Vikings, who reached the title game after wins over Midwestern State and Stonehill, trailed 44-41 with 13:10 remaining after the Falcons had overcome a seven-point deficit early in the half. Paul Jones hit a three-pointer to tie the game at the 12:21 mark, then Zach Henefin -- who scored eight points during that run -- scored after grabbing an offensive rebound to put the Vikings up for good.

Western Washington built its lead to as many as 12 points before the Falcons made a late run to draw closer. Montevallo cut the margin to four with 58 seconds remaining after a free throw by Antoine Davis, but wasn't able to score from the floor in the final minute as it finished its season at 29-8.

Western Washington finished the year at 31-5 after winning in its first national championship game. The Vikings had two representatives on the all-tournament team in Rory Blanche and Richard Woodworth.

The Vikings had five players in double figures, led by John Allen with 14 points.

Montevallo's D.J. Rivera, named as the Most Outstanding Player of the Elite Eight, led all scorers in the game with 20 points. He was joined on the all-tournament team by Davis and Bellarmine's Chris Dowe.

NABC/Division II men’s basketball rankings (March 6)

(Photo by Western Washington University)

Additional Division II Information:

Pre-Season conference rankings (2011-12 season)

NCAA Division II coaches directory (Updated for 2011-12 season)