BECKLEY, West Virginia -- WVU Tech is back on top with its 75-60 victory over University of Rio Grande (Ohio) in the River States Conference (RSC) Men's Basketball Championship final on Tuesday night from the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center. It is the second conference title in three years for the Golden Bears and the first under second-year head coach James Long.

WVU Tech (12-6) built the lead early on and maintained it throughout the night. The Golden Bears and RedStorm (16-9) were tied at 2-2, but WVU Tech led the rest of the way. The lead was as high as 21 late in the first half, although Rio Grande closed within 36-22 at the break.

The second half was more even on the scoreboard with WVU Tech outscoring Rio Grande, 39-38, the final 20 minutes, but the damage was done. Tech shot 42 percent for the game and had four starters in double figures. Rio Grande was held to 32-percent shooting and had two players reach double digits. 

Sophomore Andrew Work tallied 17 points and seven rebounds to lead WVU Tech in both categories. Senior Tamon Scruggs added 15 points and six boards and was 3-for-4 from long range. Fellow classmate Andreas Jonsson tallied 12 points and made three treys while senior Juvante' Hayes totaled 11 points and four assists. 

Rio Grande's Shiloah Blevins led all scorers with 24 points. He did his best to carry the RedStorm, who were missing a pair of double-digit scorers and three starters overall. Redeetris Richardson scored 10 for Rio Grande. 

Both teams advance to the NAIA Men's Basketball Championship as the RSC champion and runner-up earn automatic bids this year. They will learn their opening round pairing during the NAIA Selection Show on Thursday, March 4 at 8 p.m. with the tournament scheduled to begin March 12.