Owls men’s basketball wins first SLIAC title, earns NCAA Division III bid

ST. LOUIS — Mississippi University for Women’s men’s basketball team upset top-seeded Webster University to win the 2026 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) tournament championship and earn its first NCAA Division III tournament bid, the school announced.

The Owls, who finished the season 17-10, defeated the host Gorloks 77-76 on Saturday. Despite being given a zero-percent chance by the NCAA Power Index before the semifinals, MUW defied the odds, according to head coach Dean Burrows.

Burrows praised his team’s resilience and leadership, highlighting the contributions of seniors and the players’ heart. “Despite numbers, analytics, etc., you’ll never be able to measure the heart of a group who continuously keeps coming back and responding,” he said. “The leadership of our two seniors has been incredibly impressive and the difference for us. We talked about being confident, but humble while blocking out the noise and focusing on one another.”

The Owls’ victory was fueled by standout performances from sophomore Tray Huguley and junior Tyler Shephard. Huguley recorded his school-record 17th double-double of the season with 26 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 10-for-13 from the field. He also contributed three assists, three blocks, and three steals. Shephard added 23 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including three three-pointers.

Senior Trent Walker played a key role, including a crucial play in the final seconds. With the game tied 74-74, Shephard missed a three, but rebounded and fed Walker, who scored on a layup while being fouled. Walker made the free throw to complete a three-point play and seal the victory. Webster missed a final three attempt, allowing MUW to hold on for the win.

MUW maintained its NCAA Division III-leading field goal percentage, shooting 55.1% in the title game, up from a season average of 52.4%. Huguley and Joe Haze Austin were named to the all-tournament team, while Walker earned the SLIAC Tournament Most Valuable Player award. The Owls now await the NCAA bracket announcement Monday at 12 p.m. They invited fans to watch the reveal at the MUW Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center.

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