McNeese, led by Javohn Garcia’s 31 points, earned a 12-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament with a 76-59 win over Stephen F Austin, setting up a matchup against Vanderbilt.

McNeese earned a 12-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament with a 76-59 win over top-seeded Stephen F Austin in the Southland Conference Championship, securing its third straight tournament berth. Javohn Garcia scored a career-high 31 points, leading the Cowboys to face fifth-seeded Vanderbilt in Oklahoma City. Vanderbilt, coming off a loss to Arkansas in the SEC Championship, has won four of its last five games, including wins over Florida and Tennessee. Head coach Bill Armstrong called the opportunity a dream come true, as he signed a new five-year, $1.985 million contract, the second-highest in school history. The game’s tip-off time is pending.