IUP Claims Atlantic Regional Over Cold-Shooting West Liberty
3/16/2010 10:48:34 PM
(INDIANA, PA)---Indiana (PA) big men Darryl Webb and Akida McLain combined for 43 points and 18 rebounds as the Crimson Hawks downed West Liberty 84-72 in the championship contest of the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional.
Webb recorded game-highs of 27 points and 12 rebounds as the homestanding Crimson Hawks improved to 18-0 at Memorial Fieldhouse in 2009-10. McLain, a transfer from Boston College, added 16 points and 6 rebounds.
West Liberty, which concludes their season with a school-record 29 wins against three losses, received 23 points from Corey Pelle. John Wolosinczuk notched 17 points and 7 rebounds for the Toppers. Scott Mirich tallied 13 and Barry Shetzer registered 11.
IUP (30-2) led by as many as ten points in the opening half before West Liberty rallied to grab a 33-32 lead on a pair of Pelle charity tosses. However, the Crimson Hawks ended the half on a 7-2 spurt to lead 39-35 at intermission.
A 15-2 burst early in the second half allowed IUP to build their largest edge at 56-42. The Toppers responded and cut the deficit to 62-58 after a Shetzer three-pointer. However, the Toppers could draw no closer.
Julian Sanders connected on five three-poiners to end with 17 points for IUP. Kevin Stewart also reached double figures with 11 points and 6 assists.
IUP shot 50 percent from the field, while West Liberty was at 45 percent. The Toppers' usually effective long range game was limited to 6-for-27 from behind the three point line. IUP owned a 37-28 rebounding edge.
All-Atlantic Region Tournament Team:
MVP-Darryl Webb (IUP)
Akida McLain (IUP)
Ashton Smith (IUP)
Corey Pelle (WL)
Darren Jones (WV State)
Hayward Fain (Saint Augustine's)