LANCASTER, Pa. - For the second year in a row, Swarthmore will host the Centennial Conference men's basketball final four. The Garnet secured the top seed with a 77-59 triumph against McDaniel on Saturday afternoon, completing a 15-3 conference regular season.
Johns Hopkins (14-4 CC) earned the No. 2 seed and will take on third-seeded Ursinus (12-6 CC) in Friday's first semifinal at Tarble Pavilion.
In a four-team battle for the final two playoff bids, Washington College (9-9 CC) and Franklin & Marshall (9-9 CC) secured the two remaining spots in the field with victories in Saturday's action. The Shoremen downed playoff-hopeful Dickinson 96-79, while F&M topped Ursinus 81-62. Needing a Muhlenberg loss to claim the fifth and final playoff spot, the Diplomats received help from Gettysburg as the Bullets defeated the Mules on the road, 78-69.
Washington College will host F&M in Tuesday's first round in Chestertown, Md. The winner will advance to the semifinals opposite the top-seeded Garnet. Friday's semifinal winners will meet in the final on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Swarthmore.
Tuesday, February 19 at Chestertown, Md.
First Round - #5 Franklin & Marshall vs. #4 Washington College, 7:30 p.m.
V | LS | BX | RC
Friday, February 22 at Swarthmore, Pa.
Semifinal - #2 Johns Hopkins vs. #3 Ursinus, 6 p.m.
V | LS | BX | RC
Semifinal - #1 Swarthmore vs. #4-5 winner, not before 8 p.m.
V | LS | BX | RC
Saturday, February 23 at Swarthmore, Pa.
Final - semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
V | LS | BX | RC