McNeese Headed to NCAA Tournament, Will Face Vanderbilt in Oklahoma City
Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It was a busy Sunday Afternoon inside the Townsley Law Arena as McNeese found out where it will be heading for the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The stage is set, McNeese is headed to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to take on the 5th-seeded Vanderbilt.
Vandebilt finished runner-up in the SEC Championship Game on Sunday after falling to Arkansas 86-75. The Commodores have won 4 of their last 5 games, including wins over Florida and two wins over Tennessee.
"It's a dream come true to bring a team to the NCAA Tournament. We're excited for the challenge to take on a very good Vanderbilt team," said Bill Armstrong.
The opponent and location weren't the only news to come out of Lake Charles on Sunday, as Athletics Director Heath Schroyer announced he has signed Head Coach Bill Armstrong to a new deal with McNeese Athletics.
Armstrong's new deal spans over 5 years and is worth $1.985 million. His new deal is the second richest deal in McNeese history, only behind his predecessor Will Wade.
“Lake Charles is home for my family and me. To know that my family will be here for five years is tremendous. We’re continuing to keep building this thing.” - Bill Armstrong
McNeese punched their ticket to March Madness after dominating 1-seeded Stephen F Austin in the Southland Conference Championship Game 76-59 behind Javohn Garcia's career-high 31 points.
McNeese punched its ticket to its third consecutive NCAA Tournament.
"It is the second head coach to do it. It shows this program is bigger than just one head coach."
Now, McNeese will head to Oklahoma City as a 12-seed to take on Vanderbilt on Friday. Tip-off time is expected to be released later on tonight.