Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Mar. 6, 2026) — The journey ended exactly where championship dreams are supposed to end — on the biggest stage with the trophy in hand.

Friday night in Buffalo, North American University defeated Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse 89–74 to claim the 2026 USCAA Men's Division I National Championship, securing the first national championship in program history and completing the most successful season the Stallions have ever produced.

Jamarric Hammond scored 21 points and hauled in 11 rebounds to lead five players in double figures for North American University as the Stallions defeated the Bobcats of Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse 89–74 for the 2026 USCAA Men's Division I Championship Friday night.

At the center of the moment stood Hammond, who delivered a performance worthy of championship history. The senior poured in 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading a balanced NAU attack that placed five Stallions in double figures.

For his dominant play throughout the tournament, Hammond was named USCAA Tournament MVP.

But true to the Stallions' identity all season long, this victory was not about one player — it was about a complete team effort.

First Half: A Championship Chess Match

The championship game opened exactly the way a national title game should — physical, intense, and full of momentum swings.

Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse came ready to battle behind standout forward Jordan Drain, who delivered a strong performance with 25 points and nine rebounds to lead the Bobcats offense.

Drain was joined by Wayne Longmore, who added 14 points and seven rebounds, and veteran guard T.J. Oliver, who contributed 10 points and four assists while orchestrating the offense.

But every push by the Bobcats was met with a response from NAU.

Jayden Jackson attacked the basket and pressured the perimeter defense, Kemani Wilson stretched the floor with perimeter shooting, and Hammond controlled the interior.

At halftime, the scoreboard told the story of a championship fight.

North American University 36
Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse 34
  Wilson   Jackson

Second Half: Stallions Take Command

After a nip-and-tuck first half, the Stallions rode a 17–5 run early in the second half to take a 58–44 lead with 11:07 remaining on a Naheim Northern layup.

Northern was electric off the bench, providing energy and scoring when NAU needed it most.

Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse made a small run trimming the margin to 69–63 on a Wayne Longmore three-point play at the 4:48 mark.

Then Hammond delivered the knockout response.

Hammond, who was named Tournament MVP, put the lead back to nine at 72–63 on a three-pointer with 4:26 left.

Down the stretch, North American University made 10-of-12 from the foul line to keep Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse at bay.

NAU showed championship composure, finishing the night 28-of-32 from the free throw line.

Stallions Leaders

Jamarric Hammond – Tournament MVP
21 points, 11 rebounds

Jayden Jackson
17 points, 4 steals

Naheim Northern – All Tournament Team
16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 8-for-8 from the free throw line

Kemani Wilson
12 points, 5 rebounds

Tevin Gowens
10 points, veteran leadership

Joining Hammond in double figures was Jayden Jackson with 17, Northern with 16 points off the bench, Kemani Wilson with 12 and Tevin Gowens with 10.

NAU dominated the glass with 42 rebounds and forced key turnovers that shifted momentum throughout the second half.

Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse Leaders

Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse was paced by Jordan Drain with 25 points and nine rebounds.

Joining him in double figures was Wayne Longmore with 14 points and seven boards, and T.J. Oliver with 10.

All-Tournament Team

Sr., G — Bloomfield — Zamorian Singleton
Fr., G — Southeastern Illinois — Silas Williams
Sr., G — Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse — Wayne Longmore
Sr., F — Bryant & Stratton–Syracuse — Jordan Drain
Jr., F — North American University — Naheim Northern

Tournament MVP
Sr., G — North American University — Jamarric Hammond

2025–2026 Season Recap

The championship capped a season that redefined what North American University basketball can accomplish.

   

Head Coach Bryan Doze Reflects on the Championship Season

"This season meant a lot to me personally.

Leading this group at North American University, we faced challenges most programs never see with limited resources, no dedicated facilities, and being a small college competing against well-funded programs.

But this team never flinched.

They showed up every day with belief, toughness, and commitment to something bigger than themselves.

The result was a historic year:

USCAA National Championship
22–8 record (best in program history)
Multiple conference and national honors

Moments like this remind me why I love coaching and helping young men grow, compete and accomplish things people say are impossible.

Proud of this team. Proud of this journey."

— Head Coach Bryan Doze

The Future of the Stallions

This championship may be historic — but inside the Stallions program, everyone understands something important:

This is only the beginning.

Several of NAU's younger players gained invaluable experience throughout the tournament run. Those minutes on the national stage are already shaping the next generation of Stallions who now understand what championship basketball looks like.

The bar has been raised.

And the next wave of Stallions isn't just looking to reach it — they're preparing to launch beyond it.

Across the Red River Athletic Conference and the NAIA landscape, programs should take notice.

Because this new breed of young Stallions are conquerors.

They aren't Quarter Horses looking for one lap of success.

They're building something designed to run for seasons to come.

The foundation is built.

The championship standard is set.

And if this season proved anything, it's that the Stallions' race has only just begun.
  

The Final Word

From the opening tip in Stafford to the championship celebration in Buffalo, the 2025–2026 North American University Stallions authored the greatest chapter in program history.

A first national championship.

A record-setting season.

And a future that is brighter than ever.

Hoovessssssss Upppppp!!!!!!

GOOOOOOOOOOOO STALLIONSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!