RELEASE DATE: 3/07/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES DENIED EAST REGIONAL BID -- SEASON ENDS AT 21-7

MANSFIELD -- The long wait came to a disappointing end as the Mansfield University men's basketball team did not receive a bid to the NCAA Division II East Regional Tournament. The Selection Show was televised on CSTV late Sunday night.

Despite being upset by Kutztown in the opening round of the PSAC Playoffs last week, the Mountaineers still had hoped their 21-7 overall record would earn them a berth in the East Regional.

However, the Mountaineers hopes were dashed when both PSAC East Champion Cheyney and PSAC West Champion California both lost in the the PSAC Quarterfinals and IUP came out of third place in the PSAC West to win the PSAC Championship and automatic berth to the East Regional.

The seventh spot went to the University of the District of Columbia. Mansfield was ranked sixth in last week's final regular season East Region while UDC was ranked ninth.

The PSAC will also be represented by California, the number four seed, and Cheyney the fifth seed.