NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Third seed Virginia Peninsula distanced itself late in the second half Saturday night to down 2nd seed Mid-Atlantic Christian 70-63 and put the Gators in a position to defend their NSAC crown on Sunday.

As throughout the season, the Gators (12-9) used a balanced attack, putting four players in double figures. Jhalen Harris, Keshaun Johnson, and Javion Majette poured in 16 points apiece while Mekhi Reid added 13. First-team All-Conference selection Majette clocked a double-double, adding 14 rebounds.

MACU’s (12-11) Talik Totten, himself an All-NSAC first teamer, scored 14 points, and Jalen Jones came off the bench to chip in 13.

VPCC, the 2022 conference champion, will now face rival Apprentice Sunday at 4:00 pm for the 2023 title.