Words could not describe the delight of the Midwestern State basketball team after securing a spot in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the third consecutive time.

Head Basketball Coach Nelson Haggerty appreciated the Mustangs’ accomplishment as it made his first season as head coach interesting.

“It’s huge to me, but it has been about the seniors,” he said. “I am just doing all that I can as a staff so the team is in the best position to win the national championship.”

This remarkable achievement was preceded by an impressive regular season as well as impeccable conference and regional tournaments.

The Mustangs dominated St. Mary 62-54 in their first regional match with immense contribution from David Terrell, JaMichael Rivers, Thomas Colbert and Chris Buttermore.

“A lot of guys have made sacrifices in their individual games for the betterment of the team,” said Haggerty.

Terrell paced MSU with 15 points and 11 rebounds while Buttermore followed with 13 points. Colbert and Rivers finished with 12 and 10 points respectively.

However, the Rattlers were not completely silent in the fixture. Kevin Kotzur’s 17 points and Lamb Autrey’s 14 points were consolatory but contributive to guests’ total points.

Subsequent to the Mustangs triumph over St. Mary, the tournament hosts washed down Washburn University’s hopes with a 72-63 victory.

Michael Loyd pulled off a remarkable performance against the Ichabods by leading Midwestern State with 21 points. Loyd, who has been eager for the Elite Eight, was impressed with the outcome of the regionals.

“It’s what we’ve been waiting for and it is definitely something we are ready for,” said Loyd. “I want to play the way I have this season. I want to play the best I can.”

Kevin Grayer followed Loyd’s example with 10 points while Thomas Darrick put in nine points.

Will McNeil, on the other hand, led the contest with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Martin Mitchell scored 10 for the visitors. Their effort, however, was not enough to stop the Mustangs gallop.

With yet another victory, the Mustangs improved to 28-3 on the season and advanced to compete with Arkansas Tech in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Championship.

The Mustangs thrashed the Wonder Boys 73-58 to claim their 18th consecutive home victory.

The 16-point victory was made possible by the consistency of certain MSU forwards. Loyd, Rivers and Grayer stood out for Midwestern State with 19, 16 and 13 points respectively.

Senior guard Keonte’ Logan has been consistent in the Midwestern lineup and scored four points against Arkansas Tech.

Logan, who competed in the previous Elite Eight, hopes to make this year different.

“The first time was nice and a good experience,” he said. “This time is more about business instead of enjoyment.”

Johnnie Davis scored 19 for the Wonder Boys and was backed-up by Will Haney’s 12 points.

The Mustangs feel positive about the nationals and are eager to win it all.

“I hope to win it all,” said Logan. “I’m going to do everything I can on every aspect of the game.”

After a superb performance in the regional final, the Mustangs advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in Highland Heights, Kentucky at the Bank of Kentucky Center.

“It is amazing that we are here for the third time,” said senior guard Melvin Clark. “A lot of teams don’t even get here once.”

MSU will face West Washington at 1:30 p.m. on March 21.

“We have some guys who have been here before so we will be ready,” said Haggerty.