Men's Basketball | 3/4/2015 5:09:00 PM

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Tournament Central

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The St. Edward's Men's Basketball team is set for the Heartland Conference tournament this weekend as they are in search of its first NCAA Regional Appearance since 2008. St. Mary's will host the conference tournament as UT-Permian Basin and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith round out the field.
 
St. Edward's (21-7) finished the year season tied for third with Lubbock Christian, but will have the #2 seed due to Rogers State being a provisional school. The 13-7 conference finish is the best in Andre Cook's six seasons as head coach.
 
Their first round opponent will be No. 3 seed UT-Permian Basin. St. Edward's finished the season 0-2 against the Falcons as UTPB pulled away from the Hilltoppers late in the second half of both games by score of 78-64 and 96-87.
 
Head Coach Andre Cook spoke to us about his team's demeanor going into the tournament, "We're coming off an exciting and emotional win against Newman, but we've had some time to decompress. It was a packed house, kids were on the court and it was an unbelievable atmosphere. The six days of rest have helped us rest up a bit and our guys are riding high, but once Tuesday's practice rolled around they knew the focus needs to be on Permian-Basin."
 
In regards to the first round match up, Cook went on to say, "Permian-Basin is the one team we have not beaten this year and I think the general consensus in the conference is that they are the most talented team in the tournament. They have two terrific players in Griffin and Hatcher and some other really good players around them. Our guys know we will have to figure out a way to cut down some of their opportunities and stick to the game plan in order to win."  
 
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. this Friday from Bill Greehey Arena. If the Hilltoppers advance, they would play the winner of the No. 1 vs. No. 4 match up of St. Mary's and Arkansas Fort Smith. Tickets for the tourney are $5 for both games, non-St. Mary's students ticket cost will be $3 and all children 12 and under can watch for free.
 
The St. Edwards Athletic Department is giving St. Edward's students the opportunity to travel and support their team for free. For all those interested, you will receive free transportation, via charter bus with your fellow peers, a free meal, and free admission into Bill Greehey Arena. You can sign up between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Athletic Office, located in the RCC. The deadline to sign up will be this Thursday at 5 p.m. and seats will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. If you are unable to attend the game, free live video and stats will be available via the St. Mary's Athletics website.