The bracket is official, and the North American University Stallions will open the 2026 USCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship in the first round as part of the March 2–7 national tournament hosted in Buffalo, New York.

Here are the matchups in the Top 8:

• #1 Bloomfield vs #8 Atlantis

• #2 SIC vs #7 Bryant & Stratton Ohio

• #3 Bryant & Stratton Syracuse vs #6 Apprentice

• #4 North American vs #5 Bryant & Stratton Buffalo

This is where the work becomes real.

North American draws Bryant & Stratton Buffalo in the opening round — a first test that will set the tone for the rest of the tournament. In this format, winning that first game is essential because momentum matters in single-elimination play. Every program in this field earned its spot through season-long effort and consistency, and you can expect competitive play from top to bottom.

The Stallions have fought through a schedule that demanded growth in every phase of the game. They've shown they can defend, rebound, and compete through adversity. A national tournament isn't about one player or one moment — it's about consistency, toughness, and resilience across 40 minutes. Those are the qualities this team has cultivated throughout the season.

This bracket doesn't just represent seeding. It represents opportunity — a chance to prove that every practice, every adjustment, every lesson learned matters when the lights shine brightest.

What's Next

The national championships run March 2–7, with teams from across the country converging in Buffalo to compete for a title that few programs ever reach. Eleven games over six days will test depth, preparation, and execution. The early rounds reward focus, and teams that can handle pressure will rise.

Now we want to hear from you: how do you feel about the matchups.  Buffalo will be loud. The atmosphere will be electric. This team has earned its place — now it's time to seize it.  The Division I Men's bracket is set for March 2–7 in Buffalo, and the Stallions will open the national tournament as the #4 seed against #5 Bryant & Stratton Buffalo in a matchup that promises intensity from the opening tip; with Bloomfield, SIC, and Syracuse leading a loaded field, every segment of this bracket demands focus and toughness — and North American steps into it prepared to make a statement.