Yellow Jackets Earn Automatic Entry into NCAA Tournament
SALEM, Va. --- Randolph-Macon College shot
54.9-percent from the field and saw four Yellow Jackets score in
double figures as R-MC defeated Virginia Wesleyan College, 75-64,
to claim its second ODAC Men's Basketball Tournament title in the
last three years.
Randolph-Macon (19-9) enters the NCAA Division III Men's
Basketball Tournament via the ODAC's automatic bid, marking the
program's fourth national stage appearance in as many years.
Other ODAC schools, including Virginia Wesleyan and
Hampden-Sydney College, must rely upon possible at-large bids if
they are to continue their postseasons.
Andre Simon led the Jackets' double-digit quartet with 18 points
on 8-of-11 shooting. Connor Sullivan poured in 15 points,
making 7-of-8 attempts from the foul line. Akeem Holmes and
Joe Hassell notched 11 points apiece, while Holmes corralled a
game-high eight rebounds.
Chris Teasley led three Marlins in double figures with 18 points in
addition to four rebounds. Chris Astorga added 14 markers,
while Tre' Ford collected 13 points and five boards. Colby
Heard scored eight points and led VWC with six rebounds.
The first half featured three lead changes and six ties leading to
a 34-32 halftime edge for Randolph-Macon. Virginia Wesleyan
tied the score a seventh time with 16:47 showing on the second-half
clock after Teasley buried a three-pointer for a 38-all score.
R-MC responded with a 10-3 run to go ahead by seven at 48-41 with
12:48 to play. VWC cut its deficit to four points on a Ford
lay-up with 7:28 on the clock, but the Yellow Jackets' defense
spurred a 14-1 run over the next 3:40 that saw R-MC increase its
advantage to 17 points at 70-53 with 3:48 to go.
Virginia Wesleyan got as close as 11 points with 1:11 to play, but
a lay-up by Hassell and free throws from Sullivan and Marcus Badger
closed the door on any type of comeback attempt.
Play in the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament begins
next week. Selections for the field of 62 will be announced
live on Monday, February 25, at 12:30 p.m. on www.ncaa.com.
For more information, visit the websites of any of the
participating schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at
www.odaconline.com.