Following the example of its women's team, sixth-ranked Utah Valley mounted a comeback and won the SWAC championship game, 93-79.
In the evening's first championship game at UVSC's David O. McKay Activities Center, the UVSC women also won a championship game meaning both teams could be headed for the junior college national championships.The men trailed by as many as 11 points in the second half and looked all but out of the game. Slowly the Wolverines crept back and tied it at 71 at the five-minute mark.
From that point the Wolverines used some key threes by Danny Brotherson and Brent Hawkins to pull away.
The win sends the Wolverines to Hutchinson Kansas where they compete with 16 junior colleges for the national title. The trip is UVSC's first in its 25-year basketball history.
"We just came out with fire and intensity," said Jeff Reinert of his team's comeback.
Mark Michaelis - who has been fighting mononucleosis for much of the year - was the surprise leading scorer with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Former Alta star Brad Willden scored 20 and collected 15 boards. Dixie's Kevin Simpson - named SWAC player of the year - led the Rebels with 19 points.
In the women's championship game Utah Valley pulled out a 59-56 victory over Southern Idaho amid a good dose of controversy in the final minute.
UVSC had the ball with less than a minute left and a 58-56 lead. The Wolverines had a tough time getting a shot and with the shot-clock running out tossed up a shot which appeared to hit the bottom of the backboard as the shot clock expired.
An apparent shot-clock violation turned into a Utah Valley rebound when officials ruled that the ball hit the rim.
The Eagles had one final chance but Amanda Covington, named to the All-Region team and All-American candidate, missed a running layup.
Tricia Ferrin was named Region 18 player of the year. She scored 19 points and his the two free throws that put UVSC ahead.
UVSC hosts a region playoff with the Arizona representative on Tuesday for the right to attend the national championship in Tyler, Texas.