Talladega, Xavier, Edward Waters & Philander Smith Advance In Men’s Bracket

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Xavier (La.) survived a scare, Edward Waters earned a road victory, Philander Smith moved on due to an administrative error and Talladega enjoyed a bye as each school took one step closer to a GCAC Championship.

The #1 seed Talladega Tornadoes obtained a first round bye, steamrolling the competition on its way to a perfect record in conference play.

The #2 seed Xavier Gold Rush held off a feisty Tougaloo squad, earning a win by the skin of its teeth in overtime, 77-74.

The fifth-seeded Edward Waters Tigers stormed into Holly Springs, Mississippi and emerged victorious, holding Rust College to just 56 points in a 20-point win.

Lastly, the sixth-seeded Philander Smith Panthers benefitted from a self-reporter administrative error by Dillard University to secure its spot in Duval County.

For the semifinals, #2 Xavier will square off with #6 Philander Smith at 2 p.m. while #1 Talladega will go head-to-head with #5 Edward Waters at 7:30 p.m. eastern time to wrap up Saturday evening.