Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The celebration continues in Aiken after the Pacers men's basketball team clinched its first ever Elite Eight trip Tuesday night.

It's been a long time coming for Vince Alexander and his team, but a singular focus got them this far, and they hope, even farther still.

Alexander stressed that the focus would return Wednesday, but the post-game celebration was their chance to bask in the glow of doing something no Pacers team had.

That included getting the chance to cut down the nets after a regional championship.

"We got to cut them down last week at the conference tournament," said senior guard Re'Mon Nelson. "But this is bigger. We're happy to do it, very grateful and looking forward to doing it again."

Augusta native and forward Santoine Butler added, "I got a fear of heights, so getting up on that ladder was a bit too much, but when it's in a situation like this it's worth it."

The Pacers get back to practice Thursday to prepare for Drury in the Elite Eight in Louisville.

This year's national championship is in Atlanta.