Southeast was selected to host the South Central Regional at Houck Field House where sell-out crowds were a nightly event when the Indians were in action.

Before a packed house and regional television audience, the Indians raced past Abilene Christian 94-72 in the tourney opener.

Another packed house in a hot and steamy Houck, saw the Indians squeeze out a 75-74 win over Delta State. Ronny Rankin, selected as the regional MVP, sealed the Southeast victory when he scored the winning basket on a driving layup with two seconds remaining.

The quarterfinal game was also at Houck with the Indians hosting California State-Sacramento. Riley Ellis, the MIAA MVP, had one of the top games of his career in the quarterfinal as he poured in 25 points and pulled down 13 rebounds while going head-to-head with 6-10 Jim Moran of Cal State. The Indians blew the game open during the second half to claim an 85-69 win and a spot in the national semi-finals for the first time in 25 years.

Rankin put on a clinic against a talented Cheney University team scoring 35 points, pulling down 10 rebounds, recording three blocked shots and four steals as the indians won 90-81 to gain a spot in the NCAA finals.

Dick Vitale was at courtside for a national telecast by ESPN when the Indians faced Sacred Heart in the finals. The Indians fell behind by as many as 15 points, but put on a furious rally despite Rankin going to the bench with leg cramps with nine minutes remaining. The rally fell short, and Sacred Heart had the national title with 93-87 victory. Ellis had 35 points in the title game while Rankin had 21 before leaving with the leg cramps.

The NCAA Tournament Trail

Southeast 94, Abilene Christian 72

Southeast 75, Delta State 74

Southeast 85, Cal State Hayward 69

Southeast 90, Cheney 81

Sacred Heart 93, Southeast 87