ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Bryan Beamish scored 26 points as the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point overcame a 17-0 deficit en route to a 67-53 win over the University of Chicago in the opening round of the 2008 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship Friday at the University of St. Thomas.

Sparked by nine points from junior guard Matt Corning (Wauconda, Ill./ Mundelein) in the game's first 5:35, Chicago (18-8) scored the game's first 17 points.

Wisconsin-Stevens Point (23-6) then outscored the Maroons 26-2 during the next 13:50 and led 29-24 at halftime.

The Pointers led throughout the second stanza. A pair of free throws from sophomore forward John Kinsella (Chicago, Ill./ University High) trimmed the UWSP margin to 53-51 at the 5:34 mark, but the Pointers finished the game on a 14-2 run.

Corning paced the Maroons with 15 points, while senior forward Nate Hainje (Brownsburg, Ind./ Brownsburg) finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Scott Hoelzel and Steve Hicklin scored 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Pointers.

UWSP shot 46% from the field to 39% for Chicago. The Maroons held a 33-30 edge on the boards.

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