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Taylorville Today
By the People, for the People
McNeese, Lehigh Earn NCAA Tournament Berths
McNeese upsets Stephen F. Austin, Lehigh defeats Boston University in conference championship games
Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:42pm
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McNeese University earned a 76-59 upset victory over top-seeded Stephen F. Austin to claim the Southland Conference championship and an NCAA Tournament berth. Sixth-year senior Javohn Garcia scored a career-high 31 points for the Cowboys. In the Patriot League, second-seeded Lehigh defeated fourth-seeded Boston University 74-60 to earn its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012.
Why it matters
The NCAA Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in college basketball, and earning a bid is a significant accomplishment for these two mid-major programs. McNeese and Lehigh's victories demonstrate the competitive nature of college basketball and the ability of smaller schools to compete with larger, more established programs.
The details
In the Southland Conference championship game, McNeese University's Javohn Garcia scored a career-high 31 points to lead his team to a 76-59 upset victory over top-seeded Stephen F. Austin. The Cowboys never trailed in the game and extended their winning streak to 10 games. In the Patriot League, second-seeded Lehigh defeated fourth-seeded Boston University 74-60 to earn its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2012. Nasir Whitlock led a balanced Lehigh attack with 18 points, while Boston University struggled from 3-point range, making just 1 of 16 attempts.
- The Southland Conference championship game was played on March 12, 2026.
- The Patriot League championship game was played on March 12, 2026.
The players
Javohn Garcia
A sixth-year senior at McNeese University who scored a career-high 31 points in the Southland Conference championship game.
Nasir Whitlock
The leading scorer for Lehigh University with 18 points in the Patriot League championship game.
Keon Thompson
The leading scorer for Stephen F. Austin with 18 points in the Southland Conference championship game.
Ben Defty
The leading scorer for Boston University with 21 points in the Patriot League championship game.
What they’re saying
“Sixth-year senior Javohn Garcia poured in a career-high 31 points as second-seeded McNeese earned a 76-59 upset of top-seeded Stephen F. Austin to claim its third straight Southland Conference championship and NCAA Tournament bid.”
— Javohn Garcia, Sixth-year senior, McNeese University
“Nasir Whitlock led a balanced attack with 18 points as the second-seeded Mountain Hawks subdued the fourth-seeded Terriers to claim their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2012.”
— Nasir Whitlock, Player, Lehigh University
What’s next
The NCAA Tournament selection show will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, where McNeese and Lehigh will learn their seeding and first-round opponents.
The takeaway
The victories by McNeese and Lehigh demonstrate the competitive nature of college basketball and the ability of smaller, mid-major programs to earn bids to the prestigious NCAA Tournament. These accomplishments will generate excitement and pride within their respective communities and provide their student-athletes with the opportunity to compete on the national stage.
