Rebels guard Abby Silva accepts her MVP award from RRC Athletics Director Ryan Ratushniak on Friday.

It was an uphill battle until the very end, but both the men’s and women’s Rebels basketball teams emerged victorious over the weekend, clinching their respective top spots at the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) Final Four Championships.

The Rebels men’s team entered the tournament — held Friday and Saturday at Red River College — as the #3 seed, while the women’s team was ranked #2 going in.

For the Rebels men, the win represents their fourth straight MCAC basketball title. This might have been their toughest test, though, as they upset the #1-seeded (and winner of 12 straight games), Canadian Mennonite University Blazers.

The Rebels women, meanwhile, employed full-court defense and a quick offense to defeat the #4-seed Providence University College, who had knocked off the juggernaut #1 College Wesmen on Friday.

RRC guard Abby Silva and forward Matt Loewen took home Tournament MVP awards for their efforts.

“It was great to see our RRC Basketball teams play so well at the end of the season when it counts the most,” said Ryan Ratushniak, Athletic Director at Red River College. “Our coaching staff did an amazing job all year long and especially heading into the Final Four weekend, and our fan support was terrific with 500 people taking in the RRC championship games on Saturday!”

Women’s Championship – 6 p.m.
#2 Red River College vs. #4 Providence University College
#2 Red River College wins 68-51

Men’s Championship – 8 p.m.
#1 Canadian Mennonite University vs. #3 Red River College
#3 Red River College wins 78-59

Click here for a full list of 2012 Basketball Final Four’s results, including All-Conference Selections and Most Valuable Players, and here to see pics from Friday’s game.