GARLAND, TEXAS – Mississippi Valley State built a big lead then held on for a 71-69 win over Texas Southern in the championship game of the SWAC Men’s Basketball tournament at the Special Events Center.
With their fourth tournament title, first under head coach Sean Woods, MVSU (21-12) put on their dancing shoes and are headed to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament. The Delta Devils will find out where they will be headed on Sunday night.
Senior guard Kevin Burwell led MVSU with 19 points and four assists. Burwell was 6-of-11, including 3-of-8 from 3-point range, and 4-for-7 from the freethrow line. Freshman guard Brent Arrington added 12 points, while senior guard Williams Pugh finished with 10.
The loss overshadowed a 30-point explosion for TSU guard Omar Strong. The 5-9 junior hit 8-of-18 fieldgoals, all from downtown. He also made 6-of-7 freethrows. In addition Strong had five rebounds and three assists. Dexter Ellington contributed 10 points for the Tigers who finished the season 15-18.
