SALEM, Va. --- Randolph-Macon College took the lead with 14:09 to play in the first half and never relinquished control as the nationally fifth-ranked and ODAC top-seeded Yellow Jackets posted a 72-57 victory over #16 and second-seeded Virginia Wesleyan University in Salem on Sunday afternoon.
This marks the seventh time Randolph-Macon (26-2) has lifted the men's hoops trophy in the Salem Civic Center and the program's first since 2015. The win also broke a tie with the Marlins for third-most championships in league history behind the 10 titles Roanoke College and Hampden-Sydney College have earned.
The win for Randolph-Macon's men completes a school sweep of the ODAC trophies with the Yellow Jackets' women's team having secured the 2020 crown a few hours earlier. This is the third team R-MC has held both conference trophies, joining titles in 2003 and 2011. It also marks the third time in the past five years a single school has won both ODAC basketball championships. The University of Lynchburg took home both pieces of hardware in 2016, and Guilford College matched that feat in 2017.
R-MC's victory also comes with the ODAC's automatic qualification into the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament. The Yellow Jackets will be making their 17th appearance on the national stage. They own a 16-16 record in their previous 16 trips. The announcement of the 64-team field is set for 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday via webcast on www.ncaa.com.
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Two-time reigning ODAC Player of the Year and eventual tournament Most Outstanding Player, Buzz Anthony, led all scorers with 23 points to go with seven rebounds, five assists, and a steal in a 39-minute shift. Terry Woods and ODAC Rookie of the Year Miles Mallory chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively, off the bench. Talbert and Robertson added eight markers each.
Spencer led Virginia Wesleyan (23-5) with 19 points powered by a trio of three-pointers to go with a team-best four rebounds in 38 minutes. Fisher, who joined Spencer with 38 minutes of court time, went for 13 points, while Corey Pelham chipped in 10 markers. Fisher and Pelham each had three rebounds and three assists.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
- Buzz Anthony, R-MC (MOP)
- Ian Robertson, R-MC
- Josh Talbert, R-MC
- Tim Fisher, VWU
- Daniel Spencer, VWU