In a historic moment for the University of Nebraska Omaha, the Mavericks are set to make their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Regardless of the outcome in the Summit League championship game against St. Thomas, Omaha’s spot in the tournament is assured.
Omaha and St. Thomas are scheduled to face off in the tournament final on Sunday night. However, due to St. Thomas transitioning to Division I and being ineligible for the NCAA Tournament, Omaha is guaranteed the league’s automatic berth since they secured the regular-season conference title.
The Mavericks earned their final spot after a commanding 100-75 win over South Dakota, with Tony Osburn leading the charge with an impressive 30-point performance. On the other side of the bracket, St. Thomas emerged victorious against North Dakota with an 85-69 scoreline.
Now in their 14th season as a Division I team, this marks the third time Omaha has reached the Summit League championship game; however, they have yet to clinch a victory in the final.
St. Thomas, originally ejected from their Division III league for their overwhelming success, has made a significant leap to Division I competition. This season is their last year of ineligibility for the NCAA Tournament, as they continue to adapt to their new division status.
