University of Wisconsin-Platteville men’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA final four after eliminating Christopher Newport University in an elite eight game on March 26.

Head men’s basketball coach Jeff Gard led the Pioneers to an elite eight victory that did not go unnoticed by the university.

“Getting to the final four has provided more of a salary increase, but also the national exposure on TV has brought in millions and millions of dollars to the university to assist in current budget situations throughout the athletic department and university,” Gard said.

As the weekend approaches, senior point guard Peyton River said he has no hesitations. “As a college basketball player you live with no fear,” River said. “I look forward to our team playing the best game we’ve played all year and moving on to the national championship.”

River is ready to compete in the final four game, but Gard plans to strategically use the rest of the week for team preparation.

“Coming back off of spring break I’m busy taking care of sunburns and making sure the guys are getting back into the basketball frame of mind instead of beach volleyball,” Gard said.

River said that making it to the final four is an opportunity of a life-time.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for me as well as the team,” River said. “Every guy dreams of going to the final four and now the dream is finally coming true.”

Senior guard Boston Johnson agreed that making it to the final four has made the time they’ve put in well worth it.

“It will give us a chance to continue supporting our school,” Johnson said. “For us basketball is more than just a game.”

The school and its athletic department will continue to benefit if the Pioneers advance to the national championship. To do so, the Pioneers will need to dominate over William Paterson University in Saturday’s game. The game is scheduled to take place in UW-Madison at the Kohl Center with tip-off at 5:09 p.m.

“I feel like I have home court advantage with my brother being the head coach at Wisconsin,” Gard said.

“If we’re in it, we win it.”