McNeese and Lehigh have both secured coveted spots in the NCAA Tournament following their impressive conference championship triumphs. McNeese, propelled by a standout performance from Javohn Garcia, emerged victorious in the Southland Conference, extending their winning streak. Concurrently, Lehigh clinched the Patriot League title, marking their return to the NCAA Tournament stage after more than a decade, showcasing a well-rounded team effort.
In a thrilling Southland Conference showdown, the second-seeded McNeese Cowboys pulled off a significant upset against top-seeded Stephen F. Austin, claiming a 76-59 victory. This win not only secured their third consecutive conference championship but also guaranteed their entry into the NCAA Tournament. Sixth-year senior Javohn Garcia was the undisputed star of the night, delivering a career-best 31 points. His exceptional shooting, including 11-of-18 from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, ensured McNeese never relinquished their lead. The Cowboys, now boasting a 10-game winning streak, also received strong contributions from Larry Johnson with 18 points and Tyshawn Archie, who added 17 points, five assists, and five steals.
Conversely, Stephen F. Austin, the Lumberjacks, despite splitting their regular-season series with McNeese, struggled to find their rhythm in the championship game. Keon Thompson led their scoring with 18 points, supported by Kam Burton's 10 points. However, their overall field goal percentage of 37.3% and a dismal 23.8% from three-point range proved to be their downfall, allowing McNeese to comfortably secure the win.
Meanwhile, in the Patriot League championship, the second-seeded Lehigh Mountain Hawks defeated the fourth-seeded Boston University Terriers with a final score of 74-60, earning their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2012. Lehigh's success was attributed to a balanced offensive effort, with Nasir Whitlock leading the charge with 18 points. Joshua Ingram and Edouard Benoit each contributed 15 points, while Hank Alvey dominated the boards with a game-high nine rebounds and added 14 points and five assists. The Mountain Hawks maintained a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half, demonstrating their control over the game.
Boston University, who entered the game ranked fifth nationally in three-point shooting, surprisingly struggled from long range, converting only 1 of 16 attempts. Ben Defty was their top performer with 21 points and eight rebounds, and Michael McNair added 14 points, with Chance Gladden contributing 11. Despite their regular-season prowess, the Terriers were unable to overcome Lehigh's consistent performance.
Both McNeese and Lehigh's victories highlight their resilience and strategic gameplay, allowing them to advance to the highly anticipated NCAA Tournament. These wins represent significant achievements for both programs, showcasing the talent and dedication of their players and coaching staff as they prepare for the national stage.