In a thrilling and heartbreaking turn of events, the Detroit Mercy Titans fell short in their bid for an NCAA tournament berth, losing a 66-63 nail-biter to the Wright State Raiders in the Horizon League Championship final on March 10, 2026. The Titans, who led by as many as 12 points in the second half, saw their lead dissipate under the relentless pressure of the top-seeded Raiders.
The game, which took place at the Barbasol #HLMBB Championship in Indianapolis, was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. The Titans had a stellar season, securing their ninth appearance in the Horizon League Championship, their first since winning it all in 2012. Wright State, however, proved to be an insurmountable challenge, showcasing a 25-7 run in the second half, capped by a game-winning block from Kellen Pickett to seal the victory.
Despite the heart-wrenching loss, the Titans put up a valiant effort, with TJ Nadeau's 3-pointer pulling them within a single point of the Raiders with just seconds remaining on the clock. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to secure the victory, and the Titans narrowly missed out on the coveted NCAA tournament bid.
The Raiders, who entered the game with a 56% shooting performance and a season-high scoring total, showcased their dominance on the court. They rallied, led by Logan Woods, who scored consecutive 3-pointers, putting the Raiders up 62-56 with just 1:21 remaining. The 25-7 run cemented their lead and ensured their victory against the Titans.
Detroit Mercy, led by a gutsy performance, managed to secure a 70-64 victory over the RMU in the nightcap, showcasing their resilience and skill on the court. The Raiders, on the other hand, defeated Northern Kentucky 103-90 in the semifinals, showcasing their tenacity and dominance on the court.
In the end, Wright State's relentless comeback and the Titans' inability to secure the lead proved to be the deciding factor in this thrilling matchup. The Raiders' 66-63 victory over the Titans not only secured their spot in the NCAA tournament but also showcased their superiority and dominance in the Horizon League. Despite the loss, the Detroit Mercy Titans put up a valiant effort, showcasing their skill and resilience on the court, leaving fans hopeful for future victories.
