Defending champ Western edges SPU, returns to Elite Eight

Defending national champion Western Washington defeated rival Seattle Pacific 62-58 Tuesday night to win the West Region and earn a trip to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The fourth-ranked Vikings (30-2) play Florida Southern (27-5) at 11 a.m. March 28 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky. The Vikings finished 17-0 at Carver Gym this season.