For the eighth time in program history, the John Carroll University men's basketball team has advanced to the championship game of the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament.

All eight times have been since 2003.

For the second time in six years, JCU will be travelling to Marietta, Ohio, to compete in the championship game.

Finishing the regular season with a 15-3 record in conference play, the Blue Streaks are the #2 seed in the OAC Tournament. By virtue of wins over #7 seed Capital in the quarterfinals (83-71) and #3 seed Mount Union in the semifinals (93-74), the Blue Streaks will face #1 seed and regular season champion Marietta College on Saturday, February 27. Tip off at Ban Johnson Arena is set for 7:30 p.m..

Live video, live audio (from WJCU-FM) and live stats will be available for the contest.

Click here for a complete tournament bracket
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The Blue Streaks and the Pioneers split the regular season series. John Carroll won on December 19 by an 82-78 score in University Heights (Marietta's only OAC loss this season), while Marietta turned the tables with an 86-81 victory in Marietta on February 13.

In a series that dates back to 1930, the two teams have met 67 previous times, with John Carroll owning a 45-22 advantage. In postseason play, however, it is Marietta that has a 3-2 edge. JCU's wins were in 2003 (90-76 in quarterfinal round) and 2010 (86-75 in quarterfinal round) while Marietta has won three times -- twice as the lower seed. The Pioneers won in 1992 (72-67 in first round), 1998 (61-59 in quarterfinals) and most recently the 2011 championship game (88-85).

The winner of the JCU-Marietta game will receive the Ohio Athletic Conference's automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Championship, while the loser will still be in a favorable position to receive an at-large bid into the national tournament..

The Blue Streaks have appeared in the OAC Tournament each year for the past 27 seasons, registering a record of 27-24 (.529). The Blue and Gold have won the OAC Championship three times, in 2003, 2004, and 2009. Last season, JCU won its quarterfinal game at home against Heidelberg before falling to Mount Union in the semifinal.

Tickets for all OAC Basketball Tournament games are $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and $2 for non-OAC students and youth. All OAC students are free with their student ID.

Special Note regarding this game: all JCU fans, including the track team, will enter through the main gate of Ban Johnson Arena, which is different than where the track athletes entered for the meet.  There will be clearly marked signs for JCU fans to purchase or pick up their tickets. Even though they are admitted free of cost, all students must show ID and pick up a ticket for counting purposes.  Doors will open at 6:00 pm.