Ave Maria wins women’s crown
After four days and 45 games, the USCAA National Championships at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus concluded with a trio of games on Saturday.
In the women’s division, Ave Maria (Fla.) defeated Penn State-Beaver, 80-55.
Tournament MVP Emily Huber scored 27 points for the Lady Gyrnes, while teammates Sandy Jenkins and Cassie Kreiger added 15 and 11, respectively.
The teams exchanged the lead seven times before the Lady Gyrnes took control for good courtesy of an Erin Murphy basket with 8:15 left in the first half to make the score 26-25.
Ahead 29-27 late in the first half, the Lady Gyrnes proceeded on a 13-3 run to increase their advantage to 44-30 at halftime.
The Lady Lions could only come within 12 points in the second half.
Southern Virginia University captured the men’s Division I crown, defeating Ave Maria, 83-67.
Trailing 5-0 to start the game, Ave Maria took a 21-19 lead with 8:30 left in the first half.
However, a pair of Derek Cutler free throws helped the Knights recapture the lead, 26-25, at the 4:59 mark of the first half.
Utilizing a 10-3 run, the Knights closed out the first half with a 36-28 advantage.
The Knights embarked on a 10-1 run to start the second half with a 49-29 lead.
The Golden Eagles trimmed away at the Knights’ lead throughout the second half, but could only pull within 12 points late in the game.
Tournament MVP Anders Jacobson posted 20 points for the Knights.
Andrews University played the University of Cincinnati-Clermont for the men’s Division II title in the nightcap.
As the tournament wrapped up, Vince Capozzi, Penn State Fayette athletic director felt the experience was a success.
“Operationalwise, it was a tremendous success,” Capozzi said. “I have heard a lot of people say this was the best championship they have been to. We accomplished what we wanted in making this an unforgettable tournament for all those involved.”
Though exact numbers could not be provided, Capozzi stated attendance was slightly up this year as hundreds turned out for the Roaring Lions men’s and women’s games on Wednesday.
Capozzi cited several people for making the tournament a success.
“It was a team effort,” said Capozzi. “I have a great committee and we had a great turnout by the community, too. Overall, it was a great community effort.”
With the games in the books, those involved in making the tournament a success now turn to March 2012, when the USCAA will return to Penn State Fayette for a fourth consecutive year.