Pace Prosser’s Historic Double-Double Powers Gannon to First-Ever Division II National Title

INDIANAPOLIS – In a game defined by one player’s transcendent will, Gannon University’s Pace Prosser didn’t just seize a championship; he authored a legacy. The junior guard delivered a performance for the ages, pouring in 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to propel the Golden Knights to a dominant 84-61 victory over Lander in the NCAA Division II national championship game on Sunday. In a battle of first-time finalists, Prosser’s brilliance was the catalyst, turning a highly anticipated contest into a coronation and etching the name of Gannon—and his own—into the history books.

A Star Rises When It Matters Most

Championship games demand championship performances, and Pace Prosser answered the call with a masterpiece of efficiency and impact. His stat line—28 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and five steals—is the kind of all-around dominance rarely seen on any stage. Prosser set the tone early, demonstrating a fearless approach that would become the afternoon’s theme.

The game’s decisive moment came in the first half. With Gannon holding a slim lead, Prosser and teammate Layne Sarver ignited a 15-0 run with consecutive three-pointers. This burst, which began and ended with buckets from Lucas Sekasi, stretched the lead to 20-9 and sent a clear message. Even when Lander’s Dylan Canoville (14 points, 10 rebounds) tried to stem the tide, Prosser responded with cold-blooded precision, drilling two more threes in the final 71 seconds of the half to give Gannon a commanding 37-21 halftime lead.

“You could see it in his eyes during warmups,” said second-year head coach Easton Bazzoli. “Pace had a different level of focus. He wasn’t just going to play in this game; he was going to own it. Those threes before halftime weren’t just shots; they were knockout punches.”

More Than One Hero: The Gannon Machine

While Prosser’s heroics rightfully headline, Gannon’s victory was a testament to a deep, cohesive, and resilient roster built by Bazzoli. The supporting cast executed flawlessly, turning Prosser’s brilliance into a team-wide rout.

• Lucas Sekasi was the quintessential floor general, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, orchestrating the offense with poise.
• The twin tower duo of Mackenzie Morgan (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Lucas Morgan (11 points) provided relentless interior energy and scoring.
• The defense, spearheaded by Prosser’s five steals, held a potent Lander offense to just 21 first-half points, disrupting the rhythm of a Bearcats team that entered on a 15-game win streak.

This collective effort underscores one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent college basketball history. Just three seasons removed from a dismal three-win campaign, Bazzoli has engineered a 34-3 championship season, a story of culture, belief, and rapid ascent that makes the title even sweeter for the Erie, Pennsylvania institution.

Lander’s Dream Run Meets a Gannon Wall

For the Lander Bearcats (30-6), the end was abrupt and uncharacteristic. A team known for its offensive flow and resilience saw its historic season halted by Gannon’s defensive pressure and Prosser’s offensive onslaught. Dylan Canoville’s double-double was a bright spot, and Jacob Daniels and Greyson Pritzl each added 11 points, but the Bearcats could never consistently solve the Gannon puzzle.

The early 15-0 deficit proved too deep a hole. Every attempt at a run in the second half was met with an answering basket, often from Prosser or the Morgan brothers. “We ran into a buzzsaw today,” Lander coach Omar Wattad acknowledged. “Gannon was exceptional, and Prosser was on another level. We never found our rhythm, and that’s a credit to their game plan and intensity.”

Analysis: What This Title Means and What’s Next

This championship is a paradigm shift for Gannon basketball. It validates the hiring of the young, dynamic Easton Bazzoli and announces the Golden Knights as a potential powerhouse. The presence of a national player of the year candidate in Pace Prosser provides an immediate foundation for the future.

Expert Predictions & The Road Ahead:

• Gannon’s Future: With Prosser likely returning for his senior season, Gannon instantly becomes a preseason favorite to repeat in 2025. The challenge will be managing the target now firmly on their backs and integrating new pieces to replace key seniors like Sekasi.
• Prosser’s Pro Prospects: Prosser’s championship performance, combining scoring, rebounding, and defensive playmaking at 6-foot-3, will undoubtedly attract professional interest. His stock has never been higher, and a strong senior campaign could solidify an NBA G League or high-level overseas opportunity.
• Lander’s Trajectory: Despite the loss, Lander’s run to the title game establishes them as a perennial force in Division II. The experience gained on this stage is invaluable and will fuel their motivation for a return trip.
• The Division II Landscape: This game signals a shift in power. Traditional powers now have company, as programs like Gannon and Lander, built through player development and tactical identity, have proven they can win it all.

A Championship Forged in Erie, Sealed in Indianapolis

As the final buzzer sounded and the nets were cut down at the Indiana Convention Center, the journey of the Gannon Golden Knights came into full focus. This was more than just a win; it was the culmination of a three-year climb from the depths of a three-win season to the pinnacle of Division II basketball. It was a story of a coach’s vision, a team’s unyielding bond, and one player’s decision to deliver a legendary performance when the lights shone brightest.

Pace Prosser’s double-double will be the stat line remembered for decades, a perfect symbol of individual excellence in service of a collective dream. For Gannon University, the 84-61 victory over a formidable Lander team is not an ending, but a beginning—the moment a new national powerhouse was born, its title earned with pace, precision, and the unforgettable prowess of its star, Pace Prosser.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.