Newton won over Tift 52-49.

Scoring by quarter: First 12-8, half 24-18, third 37-29, fourth 52-49.

Leading scorer in the game was Newton's JaNaud (J.D.) Notae with 22. Tift's T. Jackson had 20.

After a 4-4 tie early, Newton led the rest of the way and by as many as 10 late second quarter and again in third and fourth quarter.

Rasmussen, “It was a great win for our program, and our guys showed great courage and heart. We are back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. We went to the Final Four in 2010 and Elite 8 in 2011 with back to back region titles. We had a game plan and our guys executed it very well. We are now 21-8.”