Augusta University men’s basketball team is getting ready to head to Evansville, Ind., to take on Chico State in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight at the Ford Center on Tuesday, March 22.
AU guard Tyree Myers said he is excited to be headed to the Elite Eight for the first time in his collegiate career.
“It feels good being that this is my first time going to the Elite Eight in my four years here,” said Myers. “I feel like we have the guys to do it, to go win a championship, and the job is not finished yet.”
After the Regional Tournament was on their home floor, Jaguar players are looking towards the upcoming challenge as they will have their first test on the road in the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s just a testament of what we been working on. We worked hard to be first in the region and in the conference as well,” said AU center Tyshaun Crawford. “Going on the road is going to be a great test for us too — see if we can get one on the road, play against great teams again. Competition is always great, so we’re ready for the test.”
[adrotate banner=”51″]
They will be taking on Chico State, one of the top defensive teams in Division II. Crawford’s inside presence may be much needed against the strong defensive team.
“I just need to continue to believe in my guys, continue to do what I have been doing, get down there and make great moves and pass out of the post if they double team and make sure I make the right plays,” said Crawford.
With limited players in the rotation, AU will also need to stay out of foul trouble, which they have struggled with in past games. AU Coach Dip Metress says staying out of foul trouble will be key in this big game.
“It will be huge, and Chico doesn’t foul. They’re a low turnover team, low foul team. When you don’t have a lot of guys as a coach, you’re going to always be concerned about foul trouble,” he said. “We’re probably a little bit more aggressive defensively than they are in a sense of trying to pressure the ball, but not much.”
Augusta will be heading to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2010.
Chico State is heading to the Elite Eight for the third time in its school history. The Wildcats Elite Eight appearances came recently in 2014 and 2017 under current coach Greg Clink.
Although they have made the Elite Eight twice, the Wildcats have never advanced to the Final Four.
The Jags leave for Evansville Sunday. A sendoff is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. at the Christenberry Fieldhouse.
The Jaguars and Wildcats will tip-off at 9:30 p.m. (EDT) The winner will advance to the Final Four on Thursday, March 24, which will also be held in Evansville.
[adrotate banner=”15″]
