The Ave Maria Men's Basketball team has advanced to the Quarterfinals after a thrilling 102-98 victory over LSU Shreveport in Kansas City. The game set a record for the highest combined score in the Round of 16. Despite a late push from the Pilots, the Gyrenes maintained control, hitting crucial free throws to secure the win. Michael Klekas stood out with 26 points, while solid contributions from team members helped maintain their lead throughout the match.

By the Numbers
  • Ave Maria scored 100+ points for the seventh time this season.
  • Michael Klekas led with 26 points and 11 rebounds; Jack Watkins contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds.
State of Play
  • Ave Maria improved their season record to 29-4 with this win.
  • The Gyrenes will face the second-ranked Grace Lancers in the Quarterfinals.
What's Next

The Gyrenes will prepare to meet the highly-ranked Grace Lancers in the Quarterfinals, marking their first matchup. The game is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Bottom Line

Ave Maria's ability to execute under pressure and adapt during runs shows their resilience. As they face a formidable opponent in Grace, maintaining this focus will be crucial for their continued success in the tournament.