Spalding Men to Face Washington U. in NCAA First Round Game

Louisville, KY – The Spalding University men's basketball team will take on host Washington University-St. Louis in the first round of the 2013 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball National Championship Saturday, March 2, at the WU Field House in St. Louis, Missouri. Game times and ticket prices will be announced Tuesday.

Spalding University (20-7, 15-1 SLIAC) earned an automatic bid after winning the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) tournament Championship. The Golden Eagles beat Eureka College 64-62 in overtime in the SLIAC Championship game Saturday evening.

The Golden Eagles are making the NCAA tournament in their first season as a full member of the NCAA. Spalding was not eligible for post season play the previous four years due to the transition from NAIA to NCAA in 2009.

Washington U. (20-5, 10 UAA) earned the University Athletic Association (UAA) automatic bid after winning the UAA Championship. The Bears won a three-way tie with Emory University and the University of Rochester.

The Bears are making their 17th NCAA appearance as a Division III school, where they have a 30-14 (.682) all-time post-season record in Division III play. Washington has made three Final Four appearances, and won back-to-back national championships in 2008 and 2009.

Courtesy Spalding University sports information