SPOKANE - The Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders took control over the final five minutes of each half and upset the sixth-ranked Whitworth Pirates 71-63 on Saturday in an NCAA Division III men's basketball sectional in the Whitworth Fieldhouse.

The Crusaders (25-5) from Belton, Texas, advance to play St. Mary's (Md.) in the sectional final (Elite Eight) next Friday in Salem, Va. The Pirates, who reached the Division III Sweet 16 for the fourth year in a row and fifth time in school history, finish the season 26-4 for the second straight year.

"We were just a few shots away tonight, but I couldn't be prouder of the way we fought back to get the lead," Whitworth coach Matt Logie said.

Whitworth's Colton McCargar scored 20 points.

making 8-16 shots from the field. George Valle had 17 points and Dustin McConnell scored 13 for the Pirates. Wade Gebbers dished a game-high eight assists in his final game, while Taylor Farnsworth led all players with 11 rebounds.