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(CHARLESTON, W.Va.)---Darren Jones' layup with four seconds lifted West Virginia State to an exciting 108-107 victory over West Liberty in the WVIAC Men's Basketball Tournament championship contest.
West Liberty had previously taken the lead at the 0:16 mark on Barry Shetzer's tournament-record 10th three-pointer of the game.
The highest-scoring title game in tournament history featured six lead changes and five ties. Both teams were red-hot from long distance in the shootout as West Liberty hit on 17 of 29 three-pointers and West Virginia State made 16 of 30.
Tournament MVP Josh Miller and Darren Jones led West Virginia State with 29 points each. Jason Emerson tallied 16 points for the Jackets and Bo King added 14. Fred Harris notched 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Shetzer fired in a game-high 37 points. John Wolosinczuk recorded 17 points and a game-high 13 rebounds for the Toppers. Jordan Fortney also recorded 17 points, while Michael Mathey notched a double-double with 16 points and 11 assists.
West Liberty (27-2) came out firing and owned a 27-12 lead nine minutes into the game. West Virginia State (28-3) pulled to within 50-47 at intermission.
Both teams will be in action next week during the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional.
All-WVIAC Tournament Team:
Danny Branch, Pitt Johnstown
Justin Caldwell, West Virginia Wesleyan
Terrell Eargle, Alderson-Broaddus
Jason Emerson, West Virginia State
Darren Jones, West Virginia State
Sam Liggins, Charleston
Mike Mathey, West Liberty
Josh Miller, West Virginia State
Corey Pelle, West Liberty
John Wolosinczuk, West Liberty
Most Valuable Player: Josh Miller, WV State
Commisioner's Heart & Hustle Award: Corey Pelle, West Liberty
Springer Award (individual sportsmanship): John White, Charleston
2010 WVIAC Men's Basketball Tournament
March 2-6
Tuesday, March 2 (first round---campus sites)
G1: #3 Alderson-Broaddus 87, #14 Ohio Valley 72
G2: #11 West Virginia Wesleyan 84, #6 Wheeling Jesuit 77
G3: #7 Pitt Johnstown 83, #10 Shepherd 69
G4: #2 West Virginia State 109, #15 Bluefield State 59
G5: #8 Seton Hill 91, #9 Davis & Elkins 74
G6: #4 Fairmont State 93, #13 Concord 68
G7: #5 Charleston 93, #12 Glenville State 69
Thursday, March 4 (quarterfinals---Charleston Civic Center)
G8: Alderson-Broaddus 82, West Virginia Wesleyan 69
G9: West Virginia State 86, Pitt Johnstown 74
G10: #1 West Liberty 83, Seton Hill 58
G11: Charleston 101, Fairmont State 90
Friday, March 5 (semifinals---Charleston Civic Center)
G12: West Virginia State 90, Alderson-Broaddus 65
G13: West Liberty 96, Charleston 84
Saturday, March 6 (championship---Charleston Civic Center)
G14: West Virginia State 108, West Liberty 107