DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Brendan Murphy and Deshoun White advanced to Saturday's semifinals at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association's national championship event at the Ocean Center.

Murphy has recorded three straight pins in the 133-pound weight class. His latest win was a 1 minute, 49 second pin over the U.S. Naval Academy's Dakota Beach. Murphy has spent a total of 3:29 on the mat so far. Murphy's semifinal match is against Lindenwood's Michael Caldwell who placed third at the North Central Conference Tournament.

"He's doing a good job and taking care of business," said SIUE Head Coach David Ray.

White won his third straight decision with an overtime victory over Mark Smilek of Notre Dame (Ohio) 5-3. That avenged White's only loss of the postseason. His next match is against McKendree's Luis Alba, who he pinned in the third-place match at the North Central Conference Tournament.

"Deshoun won it with a takedown in the overtime. He did a good job today as well," Ray said.

Dillon Pousson, at 141 pounds, is the only other wrestler left in the draw for the Cougars. Ray said he believed a focused Pousson can work his way back to third place.

Steve Ross (157) and Kyle Lowman (157) were on track to face each other in the wrestlebacks but both lost their final match of the day Friday. Also eliminated in the wrestlebacks Friday were Derrick Pousson (149), Gabe Hocum (165),Cole Brandt (184), and Cole Rogers (197).

The semifinals and finals are set for Saturday. Murphy and White are both aiming to join previous SIUE champions at the NCWA national championships - David Devine in 2010 and Michael Dace in 2011.