Defense wins championships - it's a mantra that coaches in every sport tells their players.

Wednesday night, the San Bernardino Valley College men's basketball team used its defense to take lock up a share of its first conference championship since 2023.

The Wolverines held Mt. San Jacinto College to only 39.7 percent shooting as they beat the Eagles 88-78 to clinch the top spot in Inland Empire Athletic Conference, holding a three-game lead over MSJC with three games to play, and holding the head-to-head tiebreaker. SBVC remains undefeated in IEAC play, having won 13 consecutive games.

SBVC led by four at the half, but opened a 22-point lead with 8:31 remaining in the game, then held off the Eagles down the stretch - as MSJC could only get the deficit down to seven points with 46 seconds remaining. The Wolverines dominated the boards, outrebounding MSJC 44-26.

Stanley Thomas III and Jaison Joyce led the Wolverines with 21 points apiece, while Duante Murphy posted a double-double, with 11 points and 10 assists. 

Willie Miller led MSJC with 20 points.

SBVC has three games remaining - playing Saturday at Barstow, before heading the Cerro Coso on Feb. 18. The Wolverines close out the regular season at home at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20.