Conference Tourney Roundup: McNeese, Lehigh, Idaho Earn NCAA Berths

Sixth-year senior Javohn Garcia leads McNeese to Southland Conference title, while Lehigh and Idaho also punch tickets to Big Dance

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:10pm

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In a busy day of conference tournament action, McNeese, Lehigh, and Idaho all earned NCAA Tournament bids. McNeese's Javohn Garcia poured in a career-high 31 points to lead his team to a 76-59 upset of top-seeded Stephen F. Austin in the Southland Conference championship. In the Patriot League, Lehigh defeated Boston University 74-60 to claim its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2012. And in the Big Sky, seventh-seeded Idaho took down Montana 77-66 to earn its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1990.

Why it matters

These conference tournament wins and NCAA Tournament berths are significant accomplishments for the respective programs. McNeese, Lehigh, and Idaho will now have the opportunity to compete on the national stage against some of the top teams in college basketball. For smaller schools like these, earning an NCAA Tournament bid can provide a major boost in exposure and prestige for their athletics departments.

The details

In the Southland Conference final, McNeese's Javohn Garcia had a career night, scoring 31 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. Larry Johnson added 18 points and Tyshawn Archie had 17 points, 5 assists and 5 steals for the Cowboys. Lehigh used a balanced attack to defeat Boston University, with Nasir Whitlock leading the way with 18 points. Joshua Ingram and Edouard Benoit each scored 15 for the Mountain Hawks. In the Big Sky, Idaho's Isaiah Brickner posted a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Vandals past Montana.

  • McNeese claimed its third straight Southland Conference championship and NCAA Tournament bid on March 12, 2026.
  • Lehigh earned its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2012 on March 12, 2026.
  • Idaho earned its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1990 on March 12, 2026.

The players

Javohn Garcia

A sixth-year senior at McNeese who poured in a career-high 31 points to lead his team to the Southland Conference championship.

Nasir Whitlock

Led a balanced attack with 18 points as Lehigh claimed the Patriot League title and an NCAA Tournament berth.

Isaiah Brickner

Compiled 23 points and 10 rebounds to power Idaho to the Big Sky Conference championship and its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1990.

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The takeaway

These conference tournament victories and NCAA Tournament bids represent significant milestones for the basketball programs at McNeese, Lehigh, and Idaho. For smaller schools, earning a spot in the Big Dance can provide invaluable exposure and a chance to compete against the nation's elite teams. The performances of players like Javohn Garcia, Nasir Whitlock, and Isaiah Brickner highlight the talent and determination of these mid-major programs as they look to make their mark on the national stage.