MORRISTOWN, Tennessee – Both basketball teams from Walters State Community College captured the TJCCAA/NJCAA Region VII tournament title Sunday afternoon at ‘Z’ Buda Gymnasium on the campus of Walters State.

In the men’s game, tournament MVP A.J. Thomas led four Senators in double figures with 19 points in defeating Motlow State, 61-57. The victory was also the 900^th win in the coaching career of Bill Carlyle.

Sophomore forward Sirlester Martin, who was named to the all-tournament team, chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds for Walters State, now an impressive 31-1 on the season. Freshman forward Laquantis Stewart scored 13 points while sophomore guard Terrance Britt netted 11.

Demarco Stepter led the Bucks (28-5) with 17 points and 15 rebounds while the Eastern Division’s MVP, Tyree Evans was held to just 11 points on 4-of-20 shooting.

The Senators will compete in the national tournament in Hutchinson (Ks.) beginning March 18.

The women’s game saw the Lady Senators hold off a furious rally by Southwest Tennessee in the final five minutes to secure a 66-64 win, earning coach Dave Kragel’s squad a second straight trip to the national tournament.

Walters State (29-4) held what seemed to be a comfortable 59-40 lead before the Lady Saluqis (25-1), who suffered their first loss of the season, cut the lead to 63-62 with under a minute remaining.

However, a pair of free throws by sophomore Megan Rollins and one by redshirt freshman Rhon’Neisha Taylor sealed the victory and a trip for the Lady Senators.

Tournament MVP Dana Garrett recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds for Walters State. Taylor and sophomore center Nakisha Strickland, both all-tournament selections, chipped in 12 points each.

Candace Rucker gunned in a game-high 22 points for Southwest Tennessee while Starkitsha Luellen added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Both were named to the all-tournament team.