Ex-UT coach Gipson leads team to Div. II national title

3/30/2003

LAKELAND, Fla. - Shon Robinson scored 26 points and Darnell Hinson added 19 to lead Northeastern State of Oklahoma to the NCAA Division II championship yesterday with a 75-64 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan.

Northeastern State (32-3) is coached by Larry Gipson, who coached the University of Toledo for five seasons (1991-96). Gipson also led Northeastern A&M (Okla.) to the national junior college championship in 1989.

Northeastern State was 9-of-14 from 3-point range in the second half. In the final three games of the tournament, the Redmen made 33 of 63 from beyond the arc.

“I'd like to tell you we turn these guys into shooters when we get them,” Gipson said. “The truth is, we recruit shooters.”

Gipson has a 123-28 record in five seasons with the Redmen.

Kentucky Wesleyan (31-4) was appearing in its sixth straight Division II title game, and its 13th overall. The Panthers have won eight national titles, including two in the past six years.