Lyle/Pacelli High School graduate Derek Nelson and the Gustavus Adolphus College men's basketball team finished the season Saturday with a 67-65 loss to Williams in the Division III National Championship game.

Williams (31-1) led for only 18 seconds of the second half, but it was enough for a national title as the Ephs rallied for the win.

Tim Folan's pair of free throws with two seconds remaining provided the Ephs with the game-winning points. Folan sealed the victory by intercepting the Golden Gusties' long inbounds pass.

Gustavus Adolphus (26-7) led 63-55 with 3:16 remaining when Williams began their decisive comeback. Folan scored four straight points to pull the Ephs within 63-60.

Benjamin Coffin, the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, shaved the margin to a pair with a free throw at the 1:28 mark. Williams took their first lead of the second half at 64-63 when Folan drained a three-pointer with 48 seconds remaining.

The Gusties reclaimed the lead, 65-64, at 32 seconds on Nelson's inside bucket. Nelson was whistled for a foul on Williams' next possession and Coffin hit one of two free throws with five seconds left to tie the score at 65-all.

Gustavus was called for another foul away from the ball during its final possession and Folan hit two free throws for the 67-65 lead.

Both teams were making their first championship game appearances.

Nelson, a senior, played 24 minutes in the championship game for Gustavus, scoring 11 points before fouling out during the finals seconds.