HOUSTON, TX – March Madness returns to the Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center (JAAC) as the University of St. Thomas hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship on March 6-7.
Four teams—Trinity University, Whitworth University, Belhaven University, and UST—will battle for a spot in the national tournament's next round in what promises to be an exciting weekend of basketball.
Meet the Teams
Whitworth (22-5)
Whitworth enters the tournament after capturing the Northwest Conference Tournament Championship, defeating Lewis & Clark (76-60) in the semifinals and Willamette (97-87) in the title game. The Pirates are making their 18th NCAA Division III Tournament appearance and bring postseason experience to Houston. Whitworth relies on First Team All-NWC selection Stephen Behill (17.0 ppg), along with Second Team honorees Ben Nyquist (12.5 ppg) and Caden Bateman (11.9 ppg). Their balanced scoring and championship pedigree make them a formidable opening-round opponent.
Trinity (21-6)
Trinity received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament after finishing the season ranked 21st in the NCAA NPIs. The Tigers shared the Southern Athletic Association regular-season title before falling 79-76 to Rhodes in the SAA Tournament Championship. Sophomore Will Bronson earned All-SAA First Team honors after ranking in the top 20 nationally in both total blocks (55) and blocks per game (2.20). His 15 double-doubles rank seventh in Division III, and his 65.3% field goal percentage is sixth nationally. Jackson Lawson was named All-SAA Second Team after leading the Tigers with 13.9 points per game. Dean Balo and Fenn earned All-SAA Honorable Mention recognition, while senior Zach Austin was selected to the SAA All-Sportsmanship Team.
Belhaven (16-12)
Belhaven is making its first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance in program history after winning the CCS Tournament Championship. Friday's matchup against UST marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Blazers feature one of the nation's most explosive offenses, averaging 89.1 points per game (15th nationally). They also create havoc defensively, forcing 19.07 turnovers per game (10th nationally) and averaging 11.0 steals per contest (18th nationally). At the rim, Belhaven ranks third nationally with 154 total blocks and has recorded double-digit blocks in four of its last five games. CJ Minton leads the team with 16.3 points per game, followed by Dan Robinson (14.4 ppg), Braylon Dame (10.1 ppg), and Benjamin Stewart (10.1 ppg). Their fast-paced, unselfish style—highlighted by over 500 assists this season—fuels their championship run.
UST (26-1)
The SCAC regular-season and tournament champions enter the NCAA Tournament at 26-1 overall and a perfect 16-0 in conference play. The Celts secured their fourth SCAC Tournament Championship with a dominant 92-74 victory over Concordia (TX), becoming the first repeat champion since capturing back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. This marks UST's fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and the second time in program history hosting the opening rounds.
Corey Thompson leads the Celts offensively with 15.5 points per game, while senior
Angel Johnson—named SCAC Defensive Player of the Year—anchors the defensive effort.
Nathan Kongolo earned SCAC Tournament honors, and Nicholas Buff was named SCAC Tournament MVP following his standout championship performance.
GAME SCHEDULE
Friday, March 6
Game 1 | 4:30 PM – Trinity (21-6) vs. Whitworth (22-5)
Game 2 | 7:00 PM – UST (26-1) vs. Belhaven (16-12)
Saturday, March 7
Second Round | 7:00 PM – Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
TICKETS & FAN INFORMATION
Tickets (Sold at the Door ONLY)
Children under 2: FREE
Students: $10
Adults: $15
There will be no pass list and no presale tickets available. All tickets must be purchased at the gate. With limited seating and championship basketball in Houston, fans are encouraged to arrive early—this event could sell out.
Doors open at 3:30 PM.
Parking Information
Fans may park in the Moran Garage (parking fee applies). Parking tokens are available for $10 at the concession stand. Street parking is also available nearby. Plan ahead and arrive early to secure your spot.
PACK THE JAAC
March Madness is here, and Houston is the place to be. With four championship-caliber programs competing under one roof, the JAAC will be electric.
Be there. Be loud. Pack the JAAC as the Celts defend their home floor and fight for a spot in the next round of the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off for UST vs. Belhaven is set for 7:00 PM on March 6.
