DALTON, Georgia -- The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's basketball team continues their historic run on Saturday, March 15 at 7 pm (ET) when they face off against Ave Maria (Fla.) in the Round of 32 of the NAIA National Basketball Tournament.

The Pomeroys earned the No. 11 seed in the national tournament and defeated No. 6 Dalton State on their home court by the score of 74-67 on Friday night to open tournament play. Greg Jenkins led the Pomeroys with 18 points, contributing 7 rebounds and 3 assists while playing 36 minutes. Shon Tupuola added 17 points and 9 rebounds, delivering a standout performance in both scoring and rebounding. DaMeriz Merriweather posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while also providing critical leadership on both ends of the floor. Taray Howell posted 15 points and hit a pair of key 3-pointers in the second half as SMWC was able to maintain its lead over the Roadrunners.

The Pomeroys, now 27-5 on the season, displayed outstanding team play, overcoming a tough Dalton State squad to advance to the next stage of the tournament. This victory also marks the first win by a Vigo County team in the NAIA National Tournament since Indiana State's 1963 victory over Parsons.

SMWC's victory over Dalton State also marks the Pomeroys' second all-time appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, with their previous appearance in 2024. A victory in the next round will send the Pomeroys to the Sweet 16, to be held in Kansas City, Mo., at the historic Municipal Auditorium.

SMWC won both the regular season and tournament championships for the River States Conference. Both Ave Maria and SMWC are vying for their first-ever trip to the Sweet 16 in Kansas City.

Ave Maria was ranked No. 16 in the final regular season national poll and enter the game with a 25-6 record. They are No. 3 seed in the tournament and survived an overtime battle last night by winning 78-76 over Xavier (La.). Ave Maria has the nation's top ranked offense while SMWC enters as the No. 15 defense. The Gyrenes are lead by Jack Watkins who scored 30 points in the their opening round win including a dunk at the end of regulation to keep them alive in the tournament.