Merced College men’s basketball team wins Modesto tournament for first time in 43 years

The Merced College men’s basketball team ended a 43-year drought, winning the Modesto Junior College Tournament on Saturday with a 95-82 victory over Fresno City.

The Blue Devils, who are ranked No. 18 in the state, won the tournament for the first time since 1980.

Sophomore guard Tyreon Payne was named the tournament MVP after scoring 33 points to go along with 11 rebounds in the championship game as Merced College improved to 11-1 this season and extended its winning streak to 11 games in a row.

Sophomore guard Yasir Rowell added 32 points in the championship game for Merced College. Rowell was named to the all-tournament team.

Mateo Tangaan scored 10 points against Fresno.

The last time the Blue Devils played in the championship game of the Modesto tournament was in 1983 in a loss to Long Beach.

The Blue Devils are off until Jan. 2 when they host Monterey Peninsula. Merced College is offering free admission for that game in hopes of attracting a big crowd.