ANDERSON, SC – The Lincoln Memorial men's basketball team has arrived in Anderson, South Carolina, for the 2026 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Southeast Regional. The Railsplitters entered the field as the 7-seed and are prepared to face the 2-seed Lander University Bearcats. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 PM this Saturday at the host site, Anderson University.
In a milestone achievement for the program, first-year head coach Tony Jasick has led Lincoln Memorial to the NCAA tournament in his debut season at the helm. Jasick's leadership has kept the Railsplitters among the region's elite, securing a postseason berth in his first year overseeing the program.
This high-stakes postseason match up features deep connections between the two programs. Lander head coach Omar Wattad spent six seasons on the staff of former Lincoln Memorial head coach Josh Schertz. During Wattad's tenure in Harrogate, the Railsplitters achieved a remarkable 178-24 record and secured five NCAA Tournament berths. His time at LMU was highlighted by two Final Four appearances and a trip to the 2016 national title game.
The ties continue with Lander assistant coach Alex Dahling, who played five seasons for the Railsplitters before transitioning into coaching.
Lincoln Memorial enters the tournament with a balanced rotation led by Nate Mims, who averages 12.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the floor. Second-Team All-SAC selection Walter Campbell provides a strong interior presence, averaging 11.5 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds per contest. The Railsplitters also rely on EJ Smith at 10.2 points per game and Jayden Spearman at 10.0 points per game. Armon Jarrard rounds out the primary scoring threats at 8.5 points per contest.
Lander counters with a potent lineup led by Jacob Daniels, who averages 13.6 points and 2.9 assists. Greyson Pritzl follows closely with 12.7 points per game, while Terry Leonard Jr. contributes 11.7 points. Dylan Canoville anchors the Bearcats' effort with 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
The winner of Saturday's match up will advance to the regional semifinals to continue the pursuit of a national championship.
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