The Ave Maria Gyrenes have reached the Fab Four for the first time in program history after defeating the Grace Lancers 99-86, securing the Duer Quadrant title. The game saw a back-and-forth start, but the Gyrenes tightened their grip after a 12-0 run led by Jack Watkins, who scored a season-high 35 points. With consistent scoring and a strong defense, the Gyrenes maintained their lead, never trailing after the first half. This victory boosts their season record to 30-4, paving their way to the NAIA Semifinals.

By the Numbers
  • Jack Watkins scored a season-high 35 points, hitting a program record 8-for-8 on three-pointers.
  • Ave Maria improved their season record to 30 wins and 4 losses.
  • Six players scored in double figures for the first time since January 28, with Effertz leading at 13 points.
  • Alex Sherwood recorded 17 rebounds, tied for the third most in program history.
Yes, But

While the Gyrenes showed a strong performance, they faced moments of pressure as Grace trimmed a 12-point lead down to five in the second half. This scenario highlighted potential vulnerabilities in maintaining leads against determined opponents.

State of Play
  • Ave Maria is set to play Langston in the NAIA Semifinals on March 23 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.
  • This is Langston's second appearance in the Fab Four, having previously defeated Ave Maria in 2024.
  • Both teams feature players from their last encounter, but Langston's key players have yet to perform in this tournament.
What's Next

The Gyrenes will need to strategize effectively against Langston, who won their semifinal matchup with a strong defensive effort. Given their shared history, this matchup promises to be intense with both teams eyeing the National Championship.

Bottom Line

The Gyrenes' historic win marks a pivotal moment for the program. Success against Langston could not only lead them to the National Championship but also further establish Ave Maria as a competitive force in college basketball.