Central Oklahoma and West Texas A&M opened up play at the NCAA Division II South Central Regional with victories over Southeastern Oklahoma and Abilene Christian, respectively, to advance to the semifinals on Saturday.

UCO needed overtime to beat SE, 68-66, while WTAMU topped ACU, 78-53.  The Bronchos play Washburn, a 57-38 winner over Incarnate Word, at 6 p.m., while the Lady Buffs face Emporia State, who edged St. Mary's 78-75 in overtime, at 8 p.m.

UCO 68, SE 66 (OT)

For the second straight year, Central Oklahoma was forced to overtime in the first round of the NCAA Division II South Central Regional. And for the second straight year, the Bronchos prevailed on a last-second shot.

This time it was Cristina Yarbrough doing the honors as the junior guard made a driving layup with 2.1 seconds remaining to cap a game-ending 6-0 run that vaulted the No. 15-ranked Bronchos past Southeastern Oklahoma 68-66 here Friday afternoon in a thrilling back-and-forth contest.

Link to complete release courtesy of UCO sports information

WTAMU 78, ACU 53

West Texas A&M continued their momentum from the LSC Tournament in their 78-53 defeat of Abilene Christian in the first round of NCAA Division II South Central Regional basketball action at the First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas.

The win lifts WT to 26-5 for the season, while ACU ends their campaign with an 18-11 mark.

"I was really proud of the girls, of their performance and energy level," said head coach Krista Gerlich. "They are playing with confidence and a lot of energy and focus. I'm very pleased with the effort."

Link to complete release courtesy of WTAMU sports information