Head coach Omar Wattad praised his team’s strength and noted Lander’s resilient, historic season, while players reflected on the Bearcat Nation’s support.

Lander’s season marked the program’s best in school history, highlighted by a Peach Belt Conference title and a deep NCAA run to the final.

Key regional results included notable wins such as Daemen over Goldey-Beacom and Gannon’s win over Charleston (WV), with Lander advancing to the final after defeating Lincoln Memorial.

The broader historical context includes long-standing programs and multiple national titles across NCAA Division II history.

The article notes Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the championship venue and emphasizes the long wait since Gannon’s last title game appearance.

Gannon captured its first NCAA Division II men’s basketball title by overwhelming Lander 84-61 in the championship game, finishing the season with a 34-3 mark after a dominant title run.

The title game was played on April 5, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with Gannon seizing control early and never relinquishing the lead.

Gannon’s victory capped a breakout season that followed a rapid rise from only a few wins a few years earlier, and they earned the program’s first national championship after previously reaching the final in 1987.

Lucas Sekasi contributed 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Mackenzie Morgan added 12 points and seven rebounds as part of Gannon’s balanced attack.

The Morgan twins from Sydney, Mackenzie and Lucas, supplied scoring and versatility, with Mackenzie going 3-for-3 from three and both providing rebounds.

Sekasi also helped spark the game with a 15-0 run in the first half, helping build a double-digit lead for Gannon.

The tournament featured a 64-team field with 43 automatic qualifiers and 21 at-larges, and began with a selection show in early March.