KEENE, N.H. 11/22/2003- Matt Wheeler (Shrub Oak, N.Y.) had a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead Keene State College to a 87-67 victory over Maine-Machias in the championship game of the 4th Annual KSC Men's Tip-Off Tournament, Saturday at Spaulding Gym. It was the fourth time the Owls have won the event.
Off to a fast start, KSC hit four three-pointers to take a 10-point lead. The Owls headed into the locker room with a 43-29 lead.
The Clippers narrowed the lead down to five points, but KSC's press forced several turnovers. Machias failed to score for 4:20 and the Owls went on a 10-0 run to push their advantage back up to 18 points.
Chris Timson (Beverly, Mass.) added 17 points and seven rebounds and Alphonse Michalski (Northampton, Mass.) finished with 15 points and five assists for KSC.
Bayi Handy had 14 points and Gary Dussard and A.J. Morgan scored 13 points each to lead Maine Machias (1-1).
The All Tournament team included: Michalski (KSC), Bobby Michalcyzk (Salem State), David Rukstalis (Bridgewater State), and Handy and Morgan of Maine-Machias.
KSC's Bennett Pawlusiak was named Tournament MVP.
Keene State (2-0) hosts Endicott College on Tuesday (7:30 p.m.).
In the consolation game, Salem State defeated Bridgewater State 75-72 in overtime.
