Bristol, Tenn. - Tied at 57-57 early in the second half, King College ran off the next 10 points and then had to escape a hard-charging UVa-Wise men's basketball squad, 85-81, on Wednesday evening.

Trailing 53-41 at intermission, the Highland Cavaliers (14-11) came out on fire with a 16-4 run to tie the affair, 57-57, just 5:27 into the second stanza. The Tornado (18-4) answered back with the next 10 tallies and held off the visitors just enough to pull out the 85-81 win.

Travis Berry poured in 20 points on five of eight tries and nine of 13 at the line to lead UVa-Wise. Josh Jordan dumped in 17 tallies and grabbed seven caroms. Pance Kecev hit four triples as part of a 16-point effort. Adam Hood added 10 points. Norris Gaskins chipped in seven points and grabbed nine boards.

UVa-Wise connected on 27 of 51 tries (52.9%) for the game but committed 22 costly turnovers in the game with two key ones coming in the final minute of action.

King received 16 points from Jason Seymore and 14 points by Clarence Smith.

UVa-Wise will try to clinch its second AAC title and first outright crown on Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. tilt at Bryan College.