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(NewsDakota.com)- Halfway through the second-half of the Men’s Championship it appeared Jamestown College was on their way to clean a sweep of the titles. However, as they had done all weekend Dakota St. roared back in the second half, rallying from an 18-point halftime deficit to steal a 78-76 win.
Mark Hoge had 36 for the Jimmies including 22 in the opening half. He hit 9-11 on three-pointers. Hoge was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Late in the opening half Hoge hit a three to put the Jimmies up 23, but that was when the wheels started to come off.
In the second half John Lamb started to get hot hitting four threes to help erase the deficit and Yusuf Vinson started to get going inside.
The Trojan’s Marcus Smith was sent to the free throw with just over four seconds remaining and a chance to seal with game with his team up two. After he missed the front end of the one-and-one, Breshion Tucker’s 30-footer at the buzzer skipped short to give Dakota State their second straight A.I.I. Tournament Championship.
Four Trojans scored in double-figures lead by 19 from Vinson. Jared Sutherland, who didn’t play with an ankle injury and Davon Thomas were named all-tournament team for JC.
For the third time this season and the 10th time in the last three seasons the Jimmie women battles the Valley City St. Vikings. It was also the second conference title game in those three years, Jamestown entered holding a slim 5-4 advantage.
The Jimmies grabbed the win 69-52. After Valley City jumped up 8-3 to start the game, JC scored the next six to take a lead they would not relinquish.
Carly Jensen poured in another six triples to finish with 24 points, after hitting five against Ashford on Saturday. Hannah Steele had 15 points and was named MOP of the tournament.
Courtney Titus finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, but Brittany Lehner lead the way with 20 for VCSU.
It is the second straight year both Jamestown College basketball teams are heading back to their respective national tournaments. Play will begin March 6th in Sioux City, IA for the women and Point Lookout, MO for the men. Brackets will be released on Wednesday.
The Valley City St. women are also in the tournament. The men will find out Wednesday.