Cincinnati State upends Monroe for Pavia title

ROCHESTER - Behind a game-high 31 points from Winston Grays, the Cincinnati State Surge defeated Monroe Community College 87-77 to capture the Pete Pavia Memorial Tournament men's title Sunday.

Grays was nearly unstoppable in the second half, shooting 10-of-14 from the floor and scoring 27 of his 31 points. He finished 12-of-18 and also pulled down nine rebounds to help Cincinnati hold off a late Monroe rally. The second-ranked Surge improved to 11-1 with the win.

Tied at 45 at the break, Cincinnati went on a 20-5 run over the first six minutes of the second half to take a 15-point lead. The Tribunes (7-5) cut into the lead a number of times and pulled within five with 10 minutes left after a 12-2 run was capped by a layup from Tashawn Desir.

Orlando Berry then stopped the run with a 3-point play to restore an 8-point Surge advantage.

MCC would cut the lead to five two more times, but Cincinnati controlled the boards down the stretch to put the game away.

Hugh Hobbs finished with 17 points for Cincinnati and hit eight of nine free throws. He finished the two-day tournament 29-for-30 from the foul line. Berry added 12.

Desir, Isaiah Davis, and Andre McFarlane all had 14 points for Monroe. Desir also handed out nine assists. Dykweil Bryan added nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Desir and McFarlane were named to the All-Tournament team as well.