Saint Joseph's men's basketball team is set to face the Cal Golden Bears in the Second Round of the NIT on March 22, 2026. This matchup marks the Hawks' 19th appearance in the tournament and their third consecutive year qualifying. Notable players from St. Joe's include Justice Ajogbor, recognized as co-Defensive Player of the Year, and Derek Simpson, who earned First Team honors. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU from Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California.

By the Numbers
  • Saint Joseph's holds a 17-18 record in the NIT.
  • Justice Ajogbor has recorded 160 blocks in two seasons, putting him sixth on the all-time list.
State of Play
  • Saint Joseph's is 5-0 in games decided by three points or less this season.
  • The Hawks rank 28th nationally, averaging 27.2 defensive rebounds per game.
What's Next

The winner of the St. Joe's vs. Cal game will advance to the quarterfinals against either New Mexico or George Washington on March 24 or 25.

Bottom Line

Saint Joseph's has shown resilience throughout the season, boasting a strong defense and a track record of winning close games, which will be crucial as they compete for advancement in the NIT.