BLOOMFIELD, NJ - For the fourth consecutive season, the Bloomfield College men's basketball team has received a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
After a loss in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Tournament Semifinals Mar. 7, the Deacons (20-8) have earned the seventh seed in the upcoming NCAA East Regional Tournament, receiving an at-large bid into the 64-team field (given to selected schools who do not automatically qualify by winning their conference tournament).  
 
The club will take on the University of New Haven, the Tournament's second seed, in opening round action on Saturday, Mar. 15.  Tip-off for the contest is scheduled for 2:30pm. 
 
One of eight tournaments taking place around the nation, the winner of the East Regional will advance to Division II basketball's biggest stage, the Elite Eight, which will take place in Evansville, Ind. Mar. 27-29.  The Deacons will be looking to earn their third trip to the East Regional Final in four seasons during next week's single-elimination tournament, and punch their second ticket to the Elite Eight in program history after their historic trip during the 2010-2011 campaign.
 
"Reaching the NCAA Tournament is our goal each year, so we are fortunate to have accomplished that," head coach Gerald Holmes said.    "We didn't reach our goal of a CACC title, but we have the opportunity to make a run in the NCAA Tournament and extend our season.  I am confident in our team and our ability to do well in the Tournament, and it starts this Saturday against a quality program in New Haven."
 
Bloomfield will take on New Haven for the second time this season, with the Chargers edging the Deacons in a 67-62 non-conference setback Nov. 30, 2013.  Junior guard Marvin Williams (Jersey City, N.J.) led Bloomfield with 14 points in the home loss, while fellow junior Matt Hall (Brooklyn, N.Y.) notched 11 points in the setback.
 
"Coach Holmes has turned our men's basketball team into one of the best in the region, and the reputation the team has built has garnered them this at-large bid," athletic director Sheila Wooten '85 said.  "It is an example of how far our program has come, and how it is viewed outside our conference.  I have no doubt our team can make some noise in this year's Tournament, and beat any team that steps on the floor with them.  I congratulate Coach Holmes, along with his players and coaches on another outstanding season that isn't finished just yet."
 
Click here to view the regional NCAA Tournament  host site webpage
 
Click here to view the complete NCAA Tournament Interactive Bracket

Continue to log onto www.bcdeacons.com for updates and more information.

...story written by Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communication