ASHLAND, Ohio - Top seed and host Ashland and No. 4 seed Walsh each won Friday night to advance to the regional semifinals. The two Great Midwest teams will play Saturday night, the fourth matchup between the top two teams in the conference. 

Ashland (29-2) outlasted Ferris State 76-73 behind a balanced scoring attack with four players in double figures. Macy Spielman led AU with 18 points and Karlee Pireu added 17 points and eight rebounds. Ashland shot 56 percent for the game, including a blistering 17-for-24 in the second half. AU led for much of the game and shot 9-for-12 in the fourth quarter to hold off a hot Ferris State team.

Walsh (27-4) got up 10 at halftime and cruised from there to advance past Southern Indiana 75-63. Great Midwest Player of the Year Sha Carter put up 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Cavs. Morgan McMillen added 16. 

Ashland won two of three meetings vs. Walsh this year, including a 73-63 decision in the Great Midwest title game on March 5. The winner will advance to Monday's regional final against the winner of Grand Valley State and Drury.