MEDAILLE WINS FIFTH MEN'S BASKETBALL TITLE IN A THRILLER

Seeding was moot in the 2022 AMCC men's basketball tournament.

The finals featured #3 La Roche University and #4 Medaille College, both winners of four AMCC titles apiece heading into Sunday's game.

In a 71-70 thriller, the underdog Mavericks claimed their first crown since 2017, earning the right to advance to the NCAA Div. III tournament.

La Roche got on the board first, but Medaille kept up through the first 12 minutes, trading baskets and both teams playing tight defense.  The Redhawks edged further out front as the half went on, leading by as many as nine points with two minutes remaining.  The Mavericks closed to within seven after the first 20.  At that point La Roche had out-rebounded Medaille, 23-12. 

The Mavs dug a deeper hole in the second half, falling behind by as many as 11 before edging their way back in the closing five minutes.  The lead changed hands multiple times before the final buzzer, and Medaille edged ahead with just over a minute to go.  With the Redhawks with at the line with the opportunity to take the lead in the final seconds, a lane violation gave the ball back to Medaille, and the Mavs hung on for the victory. 

Kendall McGill led the Mavs with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.  Also contributing were Rodney Graves (18 points) and Daunte Wilcott (10 points).

La Roche's Devon Darrell led all scorers with 22 points.  Teammate Joe Pipilo kicked in 11 points and 11 boards, while Joe Starzynski had 12 points and 5 rebounds.

Medaille (15-12) will learn their NCAA tournament fate on Monday when the regional seedings, pairings and schedule are announced.

All-Tournament Team
Medaille: Kendall McGill, Rodney Graves
La Roche:  Devon Darrell, Joe Pipilo 
Penn State Behrend: Kenny Fukon
Penn State Altoona:  PJ Charles
Pitt-Greensburg: Reggie Priah
Hilbert: Nevada Eldridge