LSUS Pilots Advance to NAIA Tournament in Kansas City

The men's basketball team won two games at home to earn a spot in the national tournament.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City after winning their first two games in the tournament at their home gym in Shreveport, Louisiana. The team will now face Ave Maria University on Friday, March 20 at the historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament is a major accomplishment for the LSUS basketball program and the Shreveport community. It showcases the talent and hard work of the players and coaches, and provides an opportunity for the team to compete against the best small college basketball programs in the country.

The details

The LSUS Pilots won their first two games of the NAIA National Tournament at their home gym in Shreveport. This earned them a spot in the tournament in Kansas City, where they will face Ave Maria University on March 20. The team and their supporters celebrated as the players departed Shreveport for the tournament.

  • The LSUS Pilots won their first two games of the NAIA National Tournament in their home gym.
  • The team will face Ave Maria University on Friday, March 20 in Kansas City.

The players

Kyle Blankenship

The head coach of the LSUS men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Today is just as exciting as the first time I went as a player and as a coach.”

— Kyle Blankenship, Head Coach, LSUS Men's Basketball

“I've always told my guys that winning the first game is the hardest, and we've already won two games here at home in this tournament. So we'll relax and play ball, and we're hoping to play well and win a few games up there.”

— Kyle Blankenship, Head Coach, LSUS Men's Basketball

What’s next

The LSUS Pilots will face Ave Maria University on Friday, March 20 in the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City.

The takeaway

The LSUS Pilots' qualification for the NAIA National Tournament is a proud moment for the Shreveport community, showcasing the talent and hard work of the players and coaches. Their success in the tournament will be closely watched as they represent their city on the national stage.