(3) Belmont 65, (6) Mercer 64
Despite receiving more playing time during the past two weeks, freshman forward Mick Hedgepeth has not exactly become an offensive force, averaging only 3.1 points per game. But with No. 3 Belmont’s season on the line, Hedgepeth found room around the rim to tip in the winning basket with less than a second remaining to give the Bruins a 65-64 win against No. 6 Mercer. Belmont advances to the semifinals against No. 2 East Tennessee State Friday.
(4) Lipscomb 82, (5) Campbell 52
No. 4 Lipscomb obliterated No. 5 Campbell 82-52 as nine Bisons scored, led by sophomore forward Adnan Hodzic’s 16 points. Lipscomb’s defense suffocated the Fighting Camels, who could not muster any rhythm. They finished with 18 turnovers and shot only 35 percent from the field. The Bisons advanced to play No. 1 Jacksonville in the semifinals, and Lipscomb beat the Dolphins 92-82 in Nashville, site of the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament, last week.
