INSTITUTE, W.Va. - - On a night that saw Deon Boyce establish a new single-season rebounding mark at UVa-Wise, the Cavaliers appeared to be on the cusp of keeping hope alive for a home game in next week's inaugural Mountain East Conference Tournament.   That was not to be as West Virginia State overcame a six point deficit in the final minute to post an 84-81 victory in the final men's basketball game at Flemming Hall.

UVa-Wise (10-15, 7-14 MEC) fell behind by six points in the first half and trailed by as many as 14 points in the opening minutes of the second half before taking a six point lead with 1:10 to play.

Boyce was a big reason the Cavaliers took the late lead as he scored 27 points and grabbed 24 rebounds.  His 24 rebounds were one shy of the single-game rebound record at UVa-Wise and give him a total of 377 for the season.  Previously, Robert Spears held the single-season rebounding record with 360 in the 1993-94 season.

West Virginia State (12-13, 8-13 MEC) received a 3-pointer from Bo King with 55 seconds to play to cut the Cavalier lead to three.  The Cavaliers split a pair of free throws on the next possession to extend the lead back to two possessions.  The Jackets again quickly scored to reduce the lead to two at 81-79.  The following play would be the play of the game as King would steal the ball, drive to the hoop, make the basket, and get fouled.  He would complete the 3-point play to give State an 82-81 lead. 

UVa-Wise would have a chance to win the game as the visitors called timeout with 10 seconds to play.  The shot would be no good as it would carom off the rim and over the goal giving the ball to the Jackets.  The host would make two more free throws in the final seconds to secure the 84-81 win.

UVa-Wise will play on the road at Concord on Saturday to wrap up its regular season schedule.  The Cavs will be on the road next week in the MEC Tournament.