When the NCAA revealed the Selection Show for the Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament, the University of St. Thomas-Houston Celts were announced as one of the 64 competitors. Men’s basketball will travel to Belton, Texas, this week for the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

On the heels of dropping the SCAC tournament semi-final against the eventual champion Schreiner Mountaineers, the Celts received an at-large bid to the national tournament. This was due to their outstanding performance going 16-0 in SCAC play and securing the number one seed in Region X.

Play will begin with the round of 64 as St. Thomas enters the tournament for the first time. The Celts will play against East Texas Baptist University and look to secure victory against the Tigers before confronting the victor of Mary Hardin Baylor and Schreiner. If St. Thomas wins these two games, they will secure the region championship and will look to play in the Sweet 16 next week.

The Celts played against the Tigers early in the season on November 15, 2022. St. Thomas edged the East Texas Baptist 83-81 as SCAC Player of the Year Calvin Williams scored 22 points in the win.

Men’s basketball made history this season going 23-2 in the regular season and 16-0 in SCAC play. After securing the conference title in the previous three seasons, this is the first year St. Thomas can qualify for the NCAA National Tournament as the school was admitted to NCAA Division III this year.

For more information on men’s basketball, follow the team on twitter and instagram. Follow ustcelts.com for all scores and updates.