February 27, 2012

Franklin Set to Face Wis.-Stevens Point in NCAA Tournament Play

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Franklin College claimed the HCAC automatic qualifier and will play Wis.-Stevens Point on Friday, March 2 in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Division III Tournament. The Grizzlies captured the HCAC’s bid to the dance with a 64-44 win over Hanover in the tournament championship game.

Franklin, 25-2, will travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan on the campus of Calvin College to face Wis.-Stevens Point (23-4). The Pointers captured the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament title with an 80-61 win over Wis.-Whitewater Saturday, earning the league’s automatic bid.

Wis.-Stevens Point enters the game with wins in 10 of their last 11 contests, while the Grizzlies enter NCAA postseason play with 11 wins in their last 12 games.

The Grizzlies are making their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2010 and seventh overall appearance in school history. Wis.-Stevens Point is heading to the tournament for the fifth straight season. The Pointers reached the elite eight in 2010 and reached the sweet sixteen a year ago.

The winner of the Franklin vs. Wis.-Stevens Point game will play the winner of the Calvin (25-1) vs. Wis.-Lutheran (24-4) matchup Saturday, March 3 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Franklin was the only HCAC team selected to the women's tournament this year.