Men’s Basketball Clinches Spot in NWC Tourny

SALEM, Ore. – The Willamette University men's basketball team has officially secured its place in the 2026 Northwest Conference (NWC) Tournament. With one weekend remaining in the regular season, the Bearcats have locked up a top-four finish, guaranteeing a postseason berth in the conference's premier event.

Currently sitting in third place with a 9-5 NWC record (14-9 overall), Willamette enters the final week of play on a three-game winning streak. By holding a three-game lead over fifth-place Linfield with only two games left to play, the Bearcats have mathematically eliminated the field to secure their postseason position.

The Battle for Seeding

While the tournament ticket is punched, the final weekend will determine the Bearcats' final seed and semifinal opponent. Willamette currently trails second-place Puget Sound by just one game and holds a one-game lead over fourth-place Lewis & Clark.

The Bearcats control their own destiny for the No. 3 seed and remain in the hunt for the No. 2 seed should they win out and Puget Sound falter in their final matchups against Whitman and Whitworth.

Final Regular Season Schedule

Fans have one final chance to catch the Bearcats at home this season:

• Friday, Feb. 20: vs. Pacific | 7:30 PM | Cone Fieldhouse (Salem, Ore.)

• Saturday, Feb. 21: at Lewis & Clark | 5:00 PM | Pamplin Sports Center (Portland, Ore.)

Tournament Outlook

The NWC Tournament features the top four teams in the final standings. The winner of the tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III National Tournament.

The tournament will be hosted by the regular-season first-place finisher. Currently, Whitworth University holds a three-game lead for the top spot and is the likely host for the championships in Spokane, Wash.

Tournament Dates:

• Semifinals: Friday, February 27

• Championship: Saturday, February 28