INDIANAPOLIS - Penn State Harrisburg's men's basketball team is heading back to the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship Tournament, as revealed by the tournament selection committee on Monday afternoon, March 2.


The Lions (18-10) won their fourth United East Championship in six seasons on Saturday afternoon in dramatic fashion, holding off Cairn 72-71 in the final seconds to clinch the league's automatic qualifier. Penn State Harrisburg will take on No. 12 Tufts (20-5) at Cousens Gymnasium & Tye Court in the team's first round contest on Friday evening, March. 1. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. The Lions and the Jumbos are joined in the region by (RV) Catholic (19-7) and Western Connecticut (21-6). The winners of Friday's matchups will meet in second round action on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.


All tournament games leading up to the national semifinals will be played on the campuses of the competing institutions. Sixteen sites will host four teams for first and second round competition, with second round winners advancing to the Sweet 16 in two weeks. Winners of the four quarterfinal contests will advance to the Elite Eight, with those winners moving on to the Final Four. The Elite Eight and Final Four will be contested in Fort Wayne, Ind., while the national championship will be held in Indianapolis on April 5. 


Fans can watch the 2026 NCAA Selection Show in its entirety, as well as download the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket at NCAA.com.


Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.