KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Bluefield College Rams men's basketball team was on a roll at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament this week. Thursday the Rams beat Milligan and Friday they knocked off the top seed Tennessee Wesleyan. Union was the trifecta Saturday afternoon and it was for the championship, but the Bulldogs bit the Rams to win their third consecutive AAC Tournament title, 71-57.

Looking to beat the third team in three days that beat them twice during the regular season, the Rams jumped to an early lead. However, late in the opening half Union grabbed the advantage and led 33-31 at halftime.

Momentum swung in favor of the Bulldogs in the second half and the Rams had a tough time reeling in Union. Playing in a game with a six to 10 point deficit most of the second half, the Rams fell behind 15 late in the game.

Four Bluefield players scored in double figures led by Zeke Williams with 13. Cordaris Towns added 11 and Alonzo Howard and Sidney Knox knocked in 10 apiece. Joseph McClain grabbed 10 rebounds.

Nick Riley led Union with 21 points and eight rebounds while AAC Player of the Year Gerrard Newby scored 15 with five boards.

Bluefield now stands at 19-12 and awaits pairings for the NCCAA Tournament. Union, now 28-6, advances to NAIA Tournament play.

Williams, Knox and Towns were named to the all-tournament team.