Lander University鈥檚 men's basketball team secured a spot in the NCAA Division II National Championship by defeating top seed Nova Southeastern 91-81 in the semifinals. The Bearcats, led by coach Omar Wattad, built an early lead, faced a challenge, but finished strong with a decisive 15-2 run in the closing minutes. This win marks Lander's first national final appearance since 2000 and extends their winning streak to 15 games. They will face Gannon in the championship game on April 5 in Indianapolis.

By the Numbers
  • Lander has a 30-5 season record.
  • Greyson Pritzl scored a game-high 25 points, and Dylan Canoville added 18 points and 11 rebounds.
State of Play
  • Lander鈥檚 victory continues a strong trend, having reached three of the last four NCAA Tournaments.
  • The Bearcats' prior season record was 16-15, making their current success notable.
What's Next

The Bearcats will prepare to face Gannon in the national championship on April 5, aiming to become the Peach Belt Conference鈥檚 first national champion since Kennesaw State in 2004.

Bottom Line

Lander鈥檚 resilience and confidence are key to their success, with Wattad highlighting the team's focus and determination throughout the season. Their historic run positions them as a formidable contender for the national title.