The Hilltoppers are back in Bowling Green after a huge win Tuesday night that will send them to the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row.

After a win over South Alabama, WKU captured the Sunbelt Championship for the second straight year.

And it's tournament time in town!

Western's going to the NCAA Tournament, the Bowling Green Purples are 4th Region champs and hundreds of ball fans are pouring in for the High School Girls' Sweet 16 that kicked off today.

Basketball is big in Bowling Green.

After beating South Alabama with an eight-point-win last night, Topper fans are celebrating on WKU's campus.

"I was kind of afraid there during the second half, because I missed the first two minutes and I come in and we're only up by seven, and I'm like, 'What happened?'" said Alexa Stearsman, a Topper fan.

But WKU pulled it out, as the team makes its second consecutive trip to the tournament.

"It was good to see them win and see them go to the Big Dance. Hopefully, we'll get a good draw and go as far as we did last year, or maybe even farther," Stearsman said.

As WKU waits to see who they'll face in the Big Dance, things are still heating up inside Diddle Arena, with the High School Girls' Sweet 16.

Franklin-Simpson took to the floor this afternoon bringing cheers from students...

"I'm out here supporting the girls. Throwin' it up for them," one student said.

...And long-time fans.

"I can remember when I was in high school and our team went very far. I followed this team last year to the state final game," assured Anne Mann, a Franklin-Simpson and WKU Alumnus.

And Mann adds, much can be said seeing both her alma-maters head to tournament play.

"The fact that southern Kentucky can support athletics and support this tournament--it's great not only for the surrounding counties, but Bowling Green as well," she said.

So whether we're talking college hoops or high school standouts, it's safe to say March Madness is in full swing.

"I'm a huge Topper fan, huge Franklin-Simpson fan. I'm very glad to be here today," Mann said.

"It sends goosebumps up me. I know it's kind of corny but it's true!" Stearsman said.

The Girls' Sweet 16 lasts through Saturday.

Stay connected to WBKO and WBKO.com as we follow the Sweet 16 Tournament and WKU's journey to the NCAA Tournament.