SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Omaha is set to make its debut in the NCAA Tournament, regardless of the outcome of the Summit League championship match. The Mavericks are slated to face St. Thomas in the tournament final on Sunday evening. However, St. Thomas is currently ineligible for the NCAA Tournament as the institution completes its transition to Division I. As a result, Omaha will secure the league’s automatic tournament spot by virtue of their regular-season conference win.
In an impressive performance during the semifinals on Saturday night, Tony Osburn led Omaha to a resounding 100-75 victory over South Dakota, scoring 30 points. Meanwhile, St. Thomas achieved an 85-69 win against North Dakota.
This marks the third occasion Omaha has reached the Summit League championship game since joining Division I 14 seasons ago. Yet, the team has never clinched the championship title before.
St. Thomas, hailing from Minnesota, found itself expelled from its Division III league due to its overwhelming dominance. The school subsequently made the leap to Division I. This year marks the final season that the Tommies will not be eligible to participate in the NCAA Tournament.
