California University of Pennsylvania hopes to make its dream of reaching the Elite Eight a reality when it plays host to Millersville in the NCAA Division II men's basketball East regional final at 7 p.m. today at Hamer Hall.

The Vulcans (27-5), making their first appearance in the regional final since 1996, have won five in a row and 18 of 19. They defeated Alderson-Broaddus, 72-67, Sunday in the regional semifinal. Millersville (22-9) advanced with an 81-73 victory against Pitt-Johnstown.

The winner of the regional will move on to the Elite Eight March 26-29 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass.

California won at Millersville, 83-76, earlier in the season.

The Vulcans feature a well-balanced attack led by four seniors -- 6-foot-5 Ron Banks (15.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg), 6-6 Alioune Mbaye (12.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg), 6-3 Theron Colao of Ellwood City (10.4 ppg, 48 3-pointers) and 6-3 James Hairston of Connellsville (9.5 ppg, team-high 58 steals).

The headliners for the Marauders are 6-5 Reggie Bates (19.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and 6-4 Charlie Parker (16.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.6 apg).