F/ames Takea1/l/i/dRide

In the finalround,Charleston Southern defeatedtheFlames64-54 to taketheBigSouth title and advance to theNCAA tournament

LU's senior center PeterAluma wrapped up the tournament's Most Valuable Player award Liberty's post-playerscored 17pointsand pulled down 12rebounds. "I justwanttothankmy teammates, and all ofthepeoplewho made me feel at home here and the student body forsupporting me," Aluma said.

During the pastthree seasons, Lynchburg has packed record-settingcrowdsinto the Vines Centertowitnessits own versionof"MarchMadness." In 1996, more than25,000soaked in the three-day event,and this year,morethan 30,000crazedfans watchedboththe men and women battleitoutforautomatic bids to theNCAA Tournament.

-RichMacloneandJosh Howe

Above left: Mark Reed shottwo and drewtwo

Above

Dr. Jerry Falwellbroughtthe

Athletics 99

Right:Sharon Wilkerson lookedlike a ballerinaas she soared tocatchthe ball. Below:Ahuddle and a prayerput thingsin orderforthe Lady Flames.