No. 20 WashU men's basketball advances to third straight Sweet 16

Bears sweep opening weekend with wins over Transylvania and No. 21 Wisconsin-Whitewater

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:12pm

The No. 20 WashU men's basketball team is headed to the Division III Sweet 16 for the third season in a row. On Friday, March 6, the Bears defeated Transylvania University 82-47 in the opening round, showcasing a balanced scoring effort. The next night, Saturday, March 7, the Bears pulled out a tight 74-71 win over No. 21 University of Wisconsin–Whitewater led by sophomore forward Connor May's 29 points to punch a Sweet 16 ticket.

Why it matters

WashU's men's basketball team has now advanced to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year, demonstrating the program's sustained excellence and competitiveness at the Division III level. The Bears' ability to win in different ways, whether through a blowout or a close game, highlights their versatility and depth as a team.

The details

In the opening round against Transylvania, WashU's stout defense and Transylvania's poor shooting performance led to an 82-47 victory for the Bears. WashU outrebounded Transylvania 56-29 and outscored them 44-28 in the paint. The Bears relied on a balanced offensive effort, with 11 different players scoring points. The next night against Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Bears held on for a 74-71 win, with sophomore forward Connor May leading the way with 29 points. WashU's younger players, such as May and Josh Kim, have blended well into the overall unit.

  • On Friday, March 6, the Bears defeated Transylvania University in the opening round.
  • On Saturday, March 7, the Bears defeated No. 21 University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in the Round of 32.

The players

George Gale

Junior forward for the WashU men's basketball team.

Connor May

Sophomore forward for the WashU men's basketball team who scored 29 points in the win over Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Yogi Oliff

Senior player for the WashU men's basketball team.

Ryan Cohen

Junior player for the WashU men's basketball team.

Theo Rocca

First-year player for the WashU men's basketball team who scored a team-high 12 points against Transylvania.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Bears will face No. 3 University of St. Thomas in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 13 in Houston.

The takeaway

WashU's men's basketball team has proven its ability to win in different ways and overcome challenges, showcasing the depth and versatility of the roster. The Bears' third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance is a testament to the program's sustained excellence and competitiveness at the Division III level.