The court that saw so many victories this season opened up for one more show.
With this year's competition behind it, Hawkins Arena was the stage for Selection Sunday.
"We've been working for four years to get where we are now," said senior center, Daniel Coursey. "We finally got here, and it's surreal."
The Bears earned a trip to the big dance last week - made sweeter with a victory over their rivals, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.
"We beat them here, they beat us [in Fort Myers], and in the championship, we were fortunate enough to finish them out and beat them by a couple points," said senior point guard, Langston Hall.
They knew they were in. There was no doubt - no worry like some programs, who ended the night with broken dreams. Sunday night's festivities celebrated the past season, and the current state of Mercer fever.
"We just watched the basketball team grow up and we're just so excited to be able to go to the tournament this year," said sombrero-topped student, Andrew Eck.
Even Macon Mayor, Robert Reichert (law school grad, class of '81) had a shining moment in the paint.
The grand finale was eminent, but its arrival time was unknown. Anxious eyes stared at a jumbotron for several minutes, and then, the answer to everyone's questions:
"Where? When? Who?"
A live broadcast of CBS's "Selection Sunday Special" boomed, "Duke lost to top-seed Virginia ACC tournament final. Who will they play? The Bears of Mercer."
Finally, some clarity.
"To have this moment and celebrate with my teammates against one of the best teams in basketball is like a dream come true," said senior guard, Bud Thomas.
The Bears danced, literally, on Selection Sunday.
Up next: a few days to prepare for a dance with the Devils.
Tune in to 13WMAZ to watch Mercer take on Duke. Tip-off is set for 12:15 pm, on Friday.
Follow 13WMAZ's Wes Blankenship on Twitter: @Wes_nship
