PLATTSBURGH -- Tom Curle has led Plattsburgh State to a 97-46 record in his five seasons at the helm of the men's basketball program and an amazing 66-22 showing the past three years.

It's obvious Curle has the program heading in the right direction. But, he couldn't have done it without the likes of Anthony Williams and Travis Gorham leading the way.

Tonight, Williams and Gorham look to keep their careers and national title hopes alive when the Cardinals, ranked seventh in the final D3hoops.com poll, take on Brandeis University, ranked fifth, in the sectional round (Sweet 16) of the NCAA Div. III tournament at Memorial Hall. Tip-off is set for 8:15 p.m.

Defending national champion Amherst College, ranked No. 3 nationally, and unranked Richard Stockton College will lock horns in the first contest at 5:30 p.m.

It has been a long journey for Williams, Gorham and the rest of the Cardinals who have participated in four NCAA tournament games over the past three years.

In 2006, the Cardinals lost an overtime heartbreaker to Hamilton in the first round. After an unbelievable win over Rochester (a Wiliams buzzer-beating three from just inside half court) in last year's first round, the Cardinals fell to St. John Fisher the following day.

This year, Gorham, Williams and Plattsburgh State's four other seniors have taken it a step further, earning a trip to the Sweet 16.

And, to top it off, they get to play at home.

"It's a beautiful feeling to move one step further in the NCAA tournament, but it makes it even more special that we are playing these games at home," Williams said. "We felt confident we could get to this point right from the beginning of the season.

"We thought we were good last year, but the chemistry and talent that we have with the new guys we brought in this season has made us a special team. This was one of our main goals, but from here it is one step at a time."

Not enough can be said about this year's team. The Cardinals have done just about everything right, and their only two losses came in succession. One at the end of the first semester (the second game of a tournament in California), and the other to begin the second semester.

Other than that, the Cardinals have been perfect, including a 13-0 home record and wins over Clarkson and Middlebury, who were both NCAA tournament teams.

"This year showed how fast the program is moving forward, and that's a testament to the coaching staff, players and the school," said Gorham, a six-foot-six rebounding machine. "Since the first day I got here, I wanted this program to become more successful. And, it has.

"Now, it's a matter of taking care of business and keeping this thing going. If we don't produce now then nothing else matters. This is what we have been working so hard for over the past three years."

Williams is averaging 24.1 points a game. He has set two school records (single-season and career points), was named a pre-season All-American (along with Gorham) and was named SUNYAC Player of the Year for the second straight season. Oh ya, he was also SUNYAC tournament MVP.