The St. Thomas men’s basketball team will play Central College (Iowa) in the first round of the NCAA Division III championship tournament on Friday at Schoenecker Arena.

If the Tommies (24-3 overall, 18-2 MIAC) defeat Central (19-9 overall, 7-7 Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), they will play the winner of the Elmhurst (Illinois) – Wisconsin-Oshkosh game on Saturday.

Coach John Tauer has high hopes for his team and looks forward to hosting the tournament.

“This year’s team has been incredibly consistent,” Tauer said. “This is a magical time of year for basketball players, coaches and fans. Our region is characteristically strong and fans will get to see three excellent teams coming to St. Thomas.”

St. Thomas has averaged 76.6 points per game this year and closed the season with a loss to St. Olaf in the MIAC championship game.