RICHMOND, Ind. -- WVU Tech men's basketball has won eight straight after a battle at River States Conference (RSC) opponent Indiana University East led to a Golden Bear victory, 93-89. The Gold and Blue now boast a record of 12-3, 4-1 (RSC) while the Red Wolves move to 6-8, 2-2 (RSC).

The score was knotted nine times and the lead changed just as many including the teams being even with 2:20 left to play at 85-85. A jumper from senior Andrew Work (Oak Hill, W.Va.) at 1:35 lifted the Golden Bears to an 87-85 advantage and the team never relinquished the lead again.

Work had a team-high 30 points to go with eight rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal. The senior is currently first in the conference for for free throws made (81-for-109) and tied for fourth in the nation (NAIA) for the same stat.

Fellow senior Ashton Parker (Rock Hill, S.C.) posted a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds while adding two steals, a block and zero turnovers.

Freshman Braden Chapman (Beaver, W.Va.) was one board shy of a double-double himself, finishing with 19 points, nine boards, two steals and an assist.

Sophomore Brant Smithers (Williamstown, Ky.) had 12 points and freshman Liam Craven had seven points for the Gold and Blue. Craven also dished seven assists.

Tech forced 11 turnovers and recorded 21 points off of turnovers while allowing IU East just three steals. The Red Wolves held the edge in rebounds, 49-38.

The team will continue conference play in Indiana when they travel to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (11-4, 5-0 RSC) Thursday, January 18 for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
 

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