Press Release

Feb. 26, 2012

Men’s field set for MIAA Championship

MIAA Tournament Central | Men’s Bracket

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The 2012 MIAA Men’s Basketball Championship field has been set, following last night’s conclusion of the regular season. The Bearcats (21-5 overall, 15-5 MIAA) captured a share of their 12th MIAA title and will be the No. 3 seed when games begin at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City Friday, March 2.

Including the Bearcats, the top eight teams have advanced to the MIAA Championship Tournament. Washburn, who also claimed a share of the regular season title, will be the No. 1 seed, while Central Missouri earned the No. 2 seed after claiming its share of the regular season title as well. Due to MIAA tie-breaker policies, the Bearcats earned the No. 3 seed based on regular season outcomes throughout the season.

The Bearcats will play No. 6 seed Southwest Baptist in Friday’s first round with tip-off set for 8:15 p.m. Northwest split the season series with their purple Bearcat foe as the home team won each game during the regular season. The two teams have met three times previously in MIAA tournament play with SBU holding a 2-1 advantage in tournament play over Northwest.

The MIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Champion earns automatic qualification to the 2012 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball South Central Regional held March 10-11, 13 at a site to be determined. The winner of the South Central Region will advance to the Elite Eight to be held March 21-22, and 24, 2012 in Highland Heights, Ky.

TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at the Northwest Student Services Center in the Administration Building. Fans can purchase tickets either in person or by phone at 660.562.1212 during regular business hours through noon on Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Fans can also call 1-800-745-3000, go online at www.ticketmaster.com or make their purchase through area Ticketmaster outlets, including the Municipal Auditorium box office.

Ticket prices are as follows:
All-Session - $40 purchased on campus (best value - $50 if purchased at Municipal Auditorium or via Ticketmaster)
Single-Session - $15 – good for any session during the tournament (these will be $20 Sat/Sun if bought at Municipal Auditorium)
Students - $5 (ages 6 through college) – good for any session.
Ages 5 and under FREE.

MIAA fans and alumni may book fan rooms at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott by clicking HERE. The Downtown Marriott is the Official MIAA Hotel sponsor.

Here's a look at the schedule for next week's men's tournament:

MIAA Men’s Basketball Championship
Friday, March 2, 2012 – Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Mo.
Game 1: Men’s First Round, (1) Washburn vs. (8) Emporia State, 12 p.m.
Game 2: Men’s First Round, (4) Missouri Southern vs. (5) Fort Hays State 2:15 pm.
Game 3: Men’s First Round, (2) Central Missouri vs. (7) Pittsburg State 6 p.m.
Game 4: Men’s First Round, (3) Northwest Missouri State vs. (6) Southwest Baptist 8:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 3, 2012 - Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Mo.
Game 5: Men’s Semifinal, Winner G1 v Winner G2, 6 p.m.
Game 6: Men’s Semifinal, Winner G3 v Winner G4, 8:15 pm
Sunday, March 4, 2012 - Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Mo.
Game 7: Men’s Championship, Winner G5 v Winner G6, 4:00 pm