The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is set to showcase a remarkable feat for New York, with four teams from the state making the cut. Long Island, Hofstra, Siena, and St.
John's are all gearing up for March Madness, marking the first time since 2000 that New York sends four schools to the dance. Notably, this year sees a historic first with two Long Island schools in the mix.
How Each Team Secured Their Spot
Long Island University was the trailblazer, clinching their tournament spot by overcoming Wagner in the NEC Tournament Semifinals. Their championship opponent, Mercyhurst, was ineligible for the NCAA Tournament, paving the way for the Sharks' first appearance since merging their Brooklyn and Post campuses' athletic programs.
Hofstra followed with a thrilling journey through the CAA Tournament in Washington D.C. Freshman sensation Preston Edmead delivered a game-winning three-pointer in overtime against Towson, and then dropped 26 points in the 75-69 victory over Monmouth to capture the CAA Championship. This marks Hofstra's first official March Madness appearance since 2001, led by head coach Speedy Claxton, who played for the Pride back then.
Siena ended a long hiatus, earning their first tournament berth since 2010. The Saints, hailing from just north of Albany, defeated top-seeded Merrimack 64-54 in the MAAC Championship. They’re led by sophomore guard Gavin Doty, who impressively averages nearly 18 points and seven rebounds per game.
St. John's, the powerhouse of the group, was considered a tournament "lock" all season.
They didn't need a conference tournament victory to secure their spot but still triumphed in the Big East Tournament, defeating UConn in the championship at Madison Square Garden. With legendary coach Rick Pitino at the helm, the Red Storm are poised for a deep tournament run, eager to avenge last year's upset.
Looking Ahead
As Selection Sunday approaches, these teams are not just content with their historic qualifications. March Madness is synonymous with thrilling upsets and Cinderella stories, and these New York squads are ready to make some noise. The first round kicks off on March 19th and 20th, but for Siena and Long Island, a First Four game could mean an earlier start on the 17th or 18th.
The stage is set for an exciting tournament, and New York's representation is ready to seize the moment.