WINCHESTER, VA – The William Peace University men's basketball team took home Shenandoah University's BB&T Classic championship trophy on Sunday, beating the hosting Hornets, 75-70.

Chris Thomas and Ryan Emfinger earned All-Tournament Team honors, while Thomas was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

"I am proud of our guys for how we finished both games this weekend. On the road, you have to do all the little things if you want to win and keep fighting when adversity strikes," said head coach Claude Shields. "We did a great job of executing our game plan, and we are excited to carry that momentum throughout the rest of our non-conference schedule and into conference play."

It was back-and-forth the entire way with 11 ties and 16 lead changes. Both teams posted identical 26-of-63 (41.3%) performances from the field, but the Pacers (4-2) hit eight more threes than Shenandoah, going 13-of-36 (36.1%) from beyond the arc.  WPU also out-rebounded the Hornets, 43-38, and scored 15 second chance points, cleaning up 13 offensive boards.

Five different Pacers scored in double-figures led by Nate Strother's 15 points and five rebounds. Thomas followed up an 18 and 10 day yesterday with 12 points, four rebounds and an assist. Terry Rogers scored 11 points to go along with six rebounds and five assists, while Emfinger also added 11 points and six boards. Tyquan Nolan finished with 10 points, three rebounds, a pair of assists, a steal and a blocked shot.

Aaron Patterson and Malcolm Clark led the way for Shenandoah (3-3), both earning spots on the All-Tournament Team.  Patterson put up a game high 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Clark had 17 points, six boards, an assist and two steals.

The WPU men's basketball team will be back at the Hermann Athletic Center this weekend, hosting St. Augustine's University this Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 p.m.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: http://gopeacepacers.com/.