Bristol, TN (February 22, 2006)---The Milligan College men’s basketball team was defeated in the first round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament on Wednesday by the Cavaliers of the University of Virginia at Wise by a final score of 69-63.

UVa.-Wise was led in scoring by Parker Gemmell who poured in 25 points. Gemmell was assisted by Zydrunas Rackauskus who added 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Milligan was paced by junior Adrian Harrison (Greensboro, N.C.) who scored 16 points. Tino Washington (Lexington, Ky.), Jeff Barnes (Franklin, Tenn.) and Zach Dezarn (Franklin, Ohio) also contributed offensively, scoring 11, 10 and nine points respectively. Barnes led the way with nine rebounds.

The loss eliminates Milligan from the tournament, and ends their disappointing season with an overall record of 10-20. Milligan’s final conference record stands at 4-17.

With the first-round victory, UVa.-Wise improves their record to 14-17 overall and 10-11 in the AAC. The Cavaliers will move on to face the AAC regular-season runner-up Tennessee Wesleyan College on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 12:30 p.m. in the AAC Quarterfinals.