DIAA Final Eight Finalized
DIAA Final Eight Finalized
The DIAA final eight has been decided.
Middle Tennessee State was already in the final eight after beating Florida International two weeks ago. Likewise, Notre Dame College advanced with a midweek win over Bowling Green. But two other teams needed to be decided in the East bracket. James Madison handled Harvard 49-16, while AIC won a wild one, where the Yellow Jackets fell behind 14-0, went on a 55-7 tear, and then saw Delaware mount a late comeback to make it 55-35.
In the West, Arkansas took a bye. Utah State defeated Washington in Seattle 31-24, showcasing some smart, physical, athletic rugby.
Pacific West runner-up Sacramento State exploded in the first half to lead 24-13 and held on 36-24 over Long Beach State. And UC Davis overcame a tough Southern California team by playing polished rugby and executing well. Final score 29-12.
So the matchups are set for April 23
At Bowling Green:
James Madison v AIC
Notre Dame College v Middle Tennessee State
At UC Davis:
UC Davis v Sacramento State
Arkansas v Utah State
The winners of those games play in the semis on April 24 to decide the finalists for May 7.