The Troy State basketball team will try to extend its seven-game winning streak with a first-round matchup against Xavier today at 6:25 p.m.

The 14-seeded Trojans will face the third-seed Musketeers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Nashville. The Trojans have won their last seven games since dropping an 83-80 decision to Mercer.

The Trojans are playing in their first NCAA Tournament at the Division I level, but managed several appearances in the tournament at the Division II level. In their last appearance in the NCAA Tournament in Division II, the Trojans advance all the way to the championship game. That run occurred in their final season in Division II, in 1993.

&uot;The feeling is great to make it to the tournament,&uot; Troy State head coach Don Maestri said. &uot;The feeling is the same, though, whether it’s Division I or Division II. We are just excited to get the exposure we have been getting in this tournament.&uot;

Part of the extra exposure came just this week when Sports Illustrated released its latest edition. The front cover was covered with various representatives from each of the 65 teams in the tournament field and a few other personalities.

Up in the middle of the top portion of the cover stands Troy State’s Jacob Hazouri, who averages the fewest minutes of anyone on the team.

The game will be aired on radio on WTBF 94.7 FM and will be televised by CBS. Should the Trojans win, they will face the winner of the game between Maryland and UNC-Wilmington Sunday at a time to be determined.