NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana will play Hope International at 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 20 in the opening round of the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship.For the second consecutive year and the third time in their last five tournament appearances, the XU men will play the last of 16 first-round games.
Xavier (23-8) is seeded 12th, its highest since 1982. It's the first time that the Gold Rush are seeded in consecutive seasons. Xavier was No. 15 a year ago. This is Xavier's 15th appearance at nationals.
The Gold Rush won a third consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship. Xavier ranks among the top 10 in its division in field-goal percentage defense, scoring defense and rebound margin. Sophomore guard Morris Wright (13.3) leads the Gold Rush in scoring. Wright and junior forward Sydney Coleman (13.2) were All-GCAC selections.
Hope International, located in Fullerton, Calif., is 22-10 and finished third in the Golden State Athletic Conference. The Royals lead NAIA Division I in scoring defense and field-goal percentage defense. Sophomore guard Garrett Neiland (13.2) leads his team in scoring and is one of four averaging in double figures.
It will be the first-ever meeting between Xavier and Hope International. The XU-Hope winner will play No. 5 Southwestern Assemblies of God or St. Catharine (Ky.) in the second round at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, March 21.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorXULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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