That test being a date with No. 1 seed and 16th-ranked Grand View University in Des Moines on Friday at 7 p.m.
And after getting past the fifth-seeded Fighting Bees of St. Ambrose in the opening round, the Saints are ready to answer that call.
Last night's win matched a single-season high (20) for AU Head Coach Andy Eberhart's highest win total in his 14th year at the helm. He coached then-Mount St. Clare College to a 20-win season in 1998-99.
But the last time the Saints advanced past the quarterfinal round of the MCC Tournament, they went all the way -- straight to a coveted berth in the NAIA National Tournament in 2002.
"Grand View (University) is a tough place to play on the road, plus it's a team we haven't beat yet this season," AU assistant coach Justin Jackson said. "It comes down being able to defend and get out in transition to score some baskets. We'd love for them to get to play our style tomorrow night."
The Vikings have had Ashford's number in a pair of regular-season matchups, defending their home court and claiming a 72-58 win in Kehl Arena on Feb. 6.
Grand View NAIA All-American forward Corey Viet has combined for 51 points in the two meetings, including converting a staggering 28-of-29 (96.6 percent) from the free throw line.
AU sophomore Peter Tanzillo of Kewanee, Ill., will help try and hold the Vikings' frontcourt in check. He scored 10 points in the Feb. 6 meeting.
"We need to play smart and play hard," said Tanzillo, who had eight points and five rebounds in last night's game. "It was huge for us to get past the first round and it was in the back of our mind, but our focus shifts now."
Grand View ended No. 9 seed Iowa Wesleyan College's season on Wednesday night to advance in the top half of the bracket.
No. 3 Mt. Mercy College was eliminated in a successful upset bid by No. 6 William Penn University and second-seeded Viterbo University routed No. 2 seed Waldorf College in other MCC tourney quarterfinal action.
Viterbo hosts William Penn in the other semifinal matchup on Friday.
