Jarvis Bearstail got a final chance to play with his teammates at United Tribes.

Like during the regular season of men's basketball, Bearstail put up big numbers for his team.

Bearstail poured in 38 points against Salish Kootenai of Pablo, Mont., in the championship game of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium tournament on Sunday night. Bearstail netted five 3-pointers in the contest.

The 6-foot guard guided the Thunderbirds to a 111-96 victory and the tournament championship at the United Tribes gym.

It was the perfect send off for Bearstail, who recently verbally committed to play for Jamestown College next school year.

"I just wanted to come out and have some fun," said Bearstail, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. "This is my last time playing with these boys."

Teammate Jim Archambault added 17 points and was named to the all-tournament team. Tyson Heart chipped in with 16 points and Merrill Howling Wolf 14.

United Tribes won just one game in the Mon-Dak Conference this past season, an 88-80 victory against MSU-Bottineau. Winning the AIHEC tournament sends the Thunderbirds into the offseason in a positive fashion.

"It shows we're in a tough conference," Bearstail said. "There was nothing to worry about (at AIHEC). It's all fun. That's what it's about."

Guard Joe Chartraw led Salish Kootenai with 39 points. Post Howard Walker registered 31 points, including six 3-pointers. Walker was named to the all-tournament team.

Salish Kootenai opened up with an 11-2 run. Bearstail got the Thunderbirds rolling with three straight gift tosses at 17:02 to start a 15-2 run.

United Tribes took command at 11:23 of the first half when Heart put back his own miss.

Heart's field goal sent United Tribes on a 35-11 run. A short bank shot from Mitch Davis gave the Thunderbirds a 54-33 lead with 2:16 to play in the half.

Salish Kootenai came within 14 in the second half, but Archambault's right-handed layup at 8:41 thwarted a comeback.

SK (96):Ryan Yellow Horse 12, John Young 5, Pius Takes Horse 3, Joe Chartraw 39, Marty Small 2, Howard Walker 31, Taylor Real Bird 4.

UTTC (111):Jim Archambault 17, Jarvis Bearstail 38, Mitch Davis 2, Josh DeCoteau 7, Tyson Heart 16, Merrill Howling Wolf 14, Matt St. John 6, Jeremy Silk 2, Louden Smith 9.

Third place

Northwest 91, Blackfeet 65

NORTHWEST (91):David Maddock 16, Randell Finkbonner 2, Taryn Hummingbird 18, Adam Lane 11, Douglas Williams 20, Morgan Tveter 12, Jordan Rainbow 12.

BLACKFEET (65): Ronald Ingraham 17, Maurice St. Goddart 16, Jared Webber 8, Joe Ray Upham 4, Jarvis Bustos 20.