Lander University One Win Away from National Title

Palmetto State school seeks first NCAA Division II championship

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, green, and yellow, conceptually representing the intensity and multi-faceted nature of a college basketball championship game.Lander University's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II national championship game will showcase the talent and competitiveness of smaller college basketball programs.Greenwood Today

Lander University, a school located in Greenwood, South Carolina, has advanced to the NCAA Division II national championship game. They will face off against Gannon University from Pennsylvania on Easter Sunday at 1:00 PM in Indianapolis, with the game airing live on WLTX.

Why it matters

This marks the first time Lander University has reached the Division II national title game, providing a rare opportunity for a South Carolina school to compete for a national championship outside of the major Division I programs. The game will showcase the talent and competitiveness of smaller college basketball programs.

The details

Lander University, a public university with an enrollment of around 3,000 students, has had a standout season, winning 32 games and earning a spot in the Division II championship game. They will face off against Gannon University, a private school in Pennsylvania, for the national title.

  • The national championship game will tip off on Sunday, April 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
  • The game will be broadcast live on WLTX, a local television station in South Carolina.

The players

Lander University

A public university located in Greenwood, South Carolina, with an enrollment of around 3,000 students. Lander's basketball team has advanced to the NCAA Division II national championship game for the first time in school history.

Gannon University

A private university in Erie, Pennsylvania, that will face Lander University in the NCAA Division II national championship game.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have the opportunity to compete for a national championship. This is a huge moment for our program and our university.”

— Jeff Burkhamer, Head Coach, Lander University

What’s next

The winner of the Lander University vs. Gannon University game will be crowned the 2026 NCAA Division II national champion.

The takeaway

Lander University's historic run to the Division II national championship game showcases the talent and competitiveness of smaller college basketball programs, providing an exciting alternative to the typical focus on major Division I schools.