Photo by Purdue Fort Wayne Athletics

A 2022 Pella Christian graduate and his collegiate basketball team fell just shy of winning the championship in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

6’10” big man Eric Mulder and the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons lost 75-68 to the Norfolk State Spartans Wednesday. In the loss, the former Eagle posted 10 points, six rebounds, two steals, and a block. 

In their first two postseason games, Mulder played a pivotal role to help Purdue Fort Wayne reach the title game. In the quarterfinals against Bowling Green last week, the sophomore had eight rebounds and six points, including the game winning layup with 15 seconds left in the contest. 

Mulder followed up that performance with one of his best collegiate games in the semifinals against Tarleton State. Mulder posted a double-double with 10 points and a career high 15 rebounds, while also tying a career high with three steals. The former Eagle also provided late game heroics against Tarleton State, scoring his second game winning basket with 15 seconds left in the tournament.

Mulder and the Mastodons finished the season with a 23-13 overall record, and the 23 wins are tied for the third most in a season in program history.