Lehigh Returns to March Madness After 14-Year Wait

For the first time since their unforgettable giant-slaying moment 14 years ago, Lehigh University's basketball team is heading back to March Madness.

The Mountain Hawks dominated Boston University 74-60 Wednesday night to claim the Patriot League Championship and punch their ticket to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Four players scored in double figures, led by junior Nasir Whitlock's 18 points, four assists, and three rebounds.

Junior Joshua Ingram and sophomore Edouard Benoit each added 15 points in a balanced team effort that showcased the depth of this year's squad. The victory marks Lehigh's fourth conference tournament championship and sixth NCAA Tournament appearance in school history.

The road to the championship featured a breakout performance from sophomore Hank Alvey, who erupted for a career-high 30 points in the semifinal win over Colgate. Whitlock also recorded his second career double-double in that game with 22 points and 10 assists.

Lehigh's last tournament appearance remains etched in March Madness history. In 2012, the Mountain Hawks stunned second-seeded Duke 75-70 behind 30 points from future NBA star CJ McCollum.

The Ripple Effect

This tournament berth energizes not just the Lehigh Valley community but also the entire Patriot League, proving that mid-major programs can build sustained excellence. The current team's balanced scoring and collaborative play style reflects years of program development since that magical Duke upset.

The Mountain Hawks will learn their first-round opponent on Selection Sunday at 6 p.m. For a team that's waited more than a decade for this moment, every practice and every game has been building toward this opportunity.

This young roster, featuring multiple sophomores in key roles, isn't just celebrating a return to the big stage but announcing the arrival of Lehigh's next generation of tournament performers.