Missouri Western State men’s basketball makes NCAA Division III tournament debut

The Missouri Western State men’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time in program history. The Owls will face Emory University in a first-round game Friday at 6:15 p.m. CT in Atlanta.

Missouri Western earned its spot by winning the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament last Saturday, defeating top-seeded Webster University. The victory secured an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The team has a 17-10 record heading into the matchup against the 22-3 Eagles.

Head coach Dean Burrows said the team is embracing the challenge. “I thought that we were ready to take that next step and challenge ourselves a little bit,” Burrows said. “It’s part of the process in growing and building a program. We’re still in that growing process. We’re getting ready to play Emory, who are obviously one hell of a club and who we have a lot of respect for.”

The Owls are making their first NCAA appearance since becoming full Division III members in 2023-24. Despite a roster of just nine players, they have won seven consecutive games heading into the tournament. Burrows credited senior leadership and a resilient mindset for their success.

Emory, the UAA champion and seeded second in the tournament, also enters on a seven-game winning streak. The Eagles are making their 13th NCAA appearance in 14 seasons and lead the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio. Burrows emphasized the respect the team has for their opponent, noting, “They’re big, they’re physical, they share the heck out of the ball. They play the game the right way.”

Burrows highlighted the team’s strengths, including leading NCAA Division III in team field goal percentage at 52.5%. The Owls are known for their shooting accuracy and disciplined play, committing the third-fewest fouls per game nationally.

The starting lineup is expected to include seniors Trent Walker and Jackson Reid, junior Tyler Shephard, and sophomores Tray Huguley and Joe Haze Austin. Junior Devin McCaine has been a key contributor off the bench. Freshmen Mal Stansfield and Tyler Bohannon, along with transfer Ayden McDeavitt, provide depth as needed.

“These players have one heck of a story,” Burrows said. “And I’m glad to be a part of it and help them author it.”

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