BURLINGTON — The defending champion Rutland Raiders finished off an undefeated season and won their second straight VPA Division One Championship on Saturday afternoon, topping the Mt. Mansfield Cougars 45-39 inside the Patrick Gym.

Rutland rode a balanced attack to a three point lead at 16-13 after one. The pattern continued in the second quarter. Overall Rutland used six men in the first half and all six of them scored as the Raiders reached halftime up 25-21.

The defending champs built the lead to six at 35-29 after three and despite a Mt. Mansfield rally that would get them as close as three in the final stanza the Raiders held on for the win.

Jamison Evans led the balanced Raider attack with 18 points. Jared Nelson chipped in 11 and Noah Tyson complimented them with six points, seven rebounds, two assists and four steals.

Asa Carlson hit two of MMU’s five three pointers on his way to a team high 14 points. Harrison Leombruno Nicolson added 11.

The Raiders secure their second straight title with a final record of 23-0. MMU ends he year 18-6.