Talladega College’s men’s and women’s basketball teams ended the 2009-2010 season as all players wish they could.

The Tornadoes successfully defended their national championship on Saturday night, defeating Southern Virginia, 65-56 in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s tournament finals. Just hours before the men’s team took the court, the Lady Tornadoes lifted a championship trophy of their own after beating Rochester College of Michigan, 48-36 in Uniontown, Pa.

Tamiko Rounds was named tournament MVP for the Lady Tornadoes while sophomore Shakila Cole was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Kenny Irby put on a big show in the men’s game, netting 23 points and pulling down eight rebounds in 16 minutes of playing time. Freshman Phil Wood added 17 points and nine boards for the Tornadoes.

Plans for a celebration at the college will be announced once the teams are back on campus.

For more coverage of the games, see Sports on page 1B.