WAVERLY, Iowa – The Wartburg College men's basketball team (19-9 overall) will face No. 10 Benedictine University (23-4) at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament hosted by Wisconsin-River Falls. The winner will advance to play on Saturday, March 4, at 7 p.m. against the winner of the other first round matchup between Wisconsin-River Falls (24-3) and Bethel University (21-6).
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Tournament Schedule
Friday, March 3
5:30 p.m.- Wartburg (19-9) vs. No. 10 Benedictine (23-4)
8 p.m.- No. 4 Wisconsin-River Falls (24-3) vs. Bethel (21-6)
Saturday, March 4
7 p.m.- Winners of Friday's contests
Ticket Prices
Adults: $10
Seniors, students, and children: $5
Children under two years old: Free
Wartburg
The Orange and Black received the automatic bid after winning the Iowa Conference title on Saturday. This team's eight NCAA postseason appearance and the first trip since 2001. The Knights scored a record-breaking 14 three-pointers during Saturday night's victory over Central. Six players contributed to from behind the arc with three makes from freshman Ryan Stulken (Walford), two makes from senior Lenart Kalan (Skofja Loka, Slovenia), juniors Nate Woeste (Atkins) and Saywer Herman (Monticello), sophomores Cam Kickbush (Reinbeck) and Jaran Sabus (Urbandale) and one from senior Jordan Cannon (Bolingbrook, Ill.). The previous program record for three's in an IIAC playoff game of 13 was set on Monday when the Knights topped Buena Vista during first round play.
Benedictine (Lisle, Ill.)
Friday will mark the first matchup between the Knights and Eagles. Benedictine reached the NCAA Tournament after winning its second straight NACC title. The Eagle's have a 12-game win streak coming into the NCAA Tournament and are currently ranked No. 11 in DIII. The top scorers for Benedictine are Tahron Harvey (18.6 points per game) and Michael Blaszczyk (15.7).
Wisconsin-River Falls (River Falls, Wis.)
The Falcons were crowned the WIAC regular season and tournament champions to receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Wisconsin-River Falls is currently ranked No. 6 in DIII. The Falcons will return to the postseason for the dance for the first time since 2012. Alex Herink leads the offense (15.7 points per game) and Garret Pearson follows with (13.1).
Bethel (St. Paul, Minn.)
Bethel won the MIAC tournament to reach the NCAA Tournament. This marks the second time in school history and the first time since 1991 the Royals have made the tournament. Bridgeport Tusler (15.0 points per game) and Brycen Wojta (13.0) lead the Royals in scoring average.
Wartburg in the NCAA Tournament
Wartburg vs. Coe, 1975, First-round, W 79-78
Wartburg vs. Augustana, 1975, Regional Championships, L 61-62
Wartburg vs. Neb. Wesleyan, 1987, First-round, W 91-81
Wartburg vs. Gust. Adolphus, 1987, Regional Championships, W 74-72
Wartburg vs. North Park, 1987, Quarterfinals, L 63-88
Wartburg vs. Gust. Adolphus, 1989, First-round, W 78-62
Wartburg vs. Neb. Wesleyan, 1989, Regional Semifinals, L 63-87
Wartburg vs. Pomona-Pitzer, 1989, Regional Third Place, L 67-80
Wartburg vs. Central, 1991, Second-round, W 75-73
Wartburg vs. Calvin, 1991, Sectional Semifinals, L 71-76
Wartburg vs. St. John's, 1993, First-round, L 75-80 (ot)
Wartburg vs. Ill. Wesleyan, 2001, Second-round, L 60-65
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