The Queens basketball team will take on the Purdue basketball team in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The Boilermakers earned a No. 2 seed, while the Royals enter as a No. 15 seed, making this a monumental clash in the tournament. The Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament champion Queens University of Charlotte men’s basketball team earned the No. 15 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. This matchup is not only a historic moment for Queens, but for the NCAA tournament as a whole, given that Queens is a relatively new Division I program.
First Time for Everything: Queens in NCAA Tournament
This is Queens' first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The team's journey to this point has been remarkable. Queens transitioned from Division II to Division I in 2022, and now, just four years later, they find themselves on the biggest stage in college basketball.
Purdue's March Madness Path
Purdue basketball is a powerhouse in the sport, with a long history of success in the NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers earned a No. 2 seed in the West Region, a testament to their dominant performance in the Big Ten Tournament. They will face Queens in the first round of the tournament on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:35 p.m. ET, in the Enterprise Center in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Tale of Two Teams
The clash between Queens University basketball and Purdue is a stark contrast of experience and history. Purdue, a storied program with numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, is the clear favorite. However, Queens' underdog status could make this an exciting and unpredictable matchup. The two teams are scheduled to face off in St. Louis on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The winner of this game will advance to the second round, where they will face the winner of the Miami vs. Missouri game. This sets the stage for what could be an intense and thrilling encounter, as both teams look to make their mark in the NCAA Tournament.
“This is a historic moment for Queens University. We are excited to take on this challenge and show what we’re made of.” - Coach of Queens University Basketball Team
