Riverland Blue Devils Earn No. 2 Seed in NJCAA National Tournament, Advance Directly to Quarterfinals

 The Riverland Community College men’s basketball team will take the national stage after earning the No. 2 seed in the 2026 NJCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship, held March 11–14 in Herkimer, New York.

With the No. 2 seed in the 12-team field, the Riverland Blue Devils receive a first-round bye and will open tournament play in the quarterfinal round at 5 p.m. CST on Thursday, March 12.

Riverland secured its national tournament berth after a championship postseason run that included winning the NJCAA North Plains District and Region XIII titles. The Blue Devils defeated Ridgewater Community College in the regional championship game to claim the title and punch their ticket to the national tournament.

The NJCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship brings together eight of the nation’s top community college programs in a single-elimination tournament to determine a national champion. The event is hosted by Herkimer College in Herkimer, New York, a longtime host site for the national championship.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our student-athletes and coaching staff,” said Logan Mann, Riverland Community College Director of Athletics and Student Life. “Earning a No. 2 seed at the national level reflects the hard work, discipline, and teamwork this group has shown all season. We’re excited to represent Riverland and our communities on the national stage.”

Fans and supporters can follow the Blue Devils throughout the tournament through live streaming and bracket updates available through the NJCAA Network at www.njcaa.org.

Additional viewing opportunities and campus watch events may be announced as the Blue Devils advance through the tournament.

Riverland Community College, a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC), sponsors competitive athletic programs that emphasize student success, leadership, and excellence both on and off the court.