March 6, 2025
Waxahachie, TX – As the basketball world gears up for the exhilarating madness of March, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has unveiled the 64-team bracket for the 2025 Men's Basketball National Championship. Among the contenders, the Nelson University Lions have earned their rightful place and are set to make their mark in the Opening Round, hosted at Louisiana State University Alexandria's (LSUA) home arena, The Fort, presented by Ballogy.
With an impressive 23-8 overall record and a 19-5 conference finish, Nelson University, under the leadership of Head Coach Delton Deal, has showcased resilience, teamwork, and a relentless drive throughout the season. Their journey to the national stage has been marked by moments of growth and pure joy, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying tournament run.
Opening Round Matchups
- First Round: Friday, March 14 – The Fort, Alexandria, Louisiana
- Second Round: Saturday, March 15 – Winner advances to face TBD opponent
With sights set on advancing to the National Championship Final Site in Kansas City, Missouri, the Lions are prepared to embrace the challenge ahead. Coach Deal remains steadfast in his belief in his team's ability to compete at the highest level.
"It's always great to be recognized for having a great season," Coach Deal stated. "We overcame a ton of adversity, so it was nice to hear our name called today and have the opportunity to play more games. We're looking forward to the challenges ahead and to representing Nelson well."
As the Lions prepare for the biggest stage in NAIA basketball, the Nelson University community stands behind them, ready to rally their team toward tournament glory.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
