POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — College of the Ozarks will host the 2026 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball National Championships March 18–21 at Howell W. Keeter Gymnasium.

This marks the second year the College has hosted the basketball championships, after serving as host site for the NCCAA women’s volleyball national championship for the past seven years.

The basketball championships will feature eight-team brackets for both the men’s and women’s divisions. Games begin at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, and conclude Saturday, March 21, with the men’s championship game at 2 p.m. and the women’s championship to follow at 5 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity to see outstanding basketball and talented student-athletes compete over the course of a few exciting days,” said Charlie Pentecost, College of the Ozarks sports information director. “Teams from across the country will be in Point Lookout, and there will be tremendous energy inside Keeter Gym as each team competes for a national title.”

The NCCAA championship format guarantees each team three games, with brackets played out on both the championship and consolation sides. Opening-round play on Wednesday will feature eight games, alternating between men’s and women’s matchups throughout the day. Thursday will include semifinal contests in both brackets. Consolation finals will be played Friday, followed by the championship finals on Saturday. Eight games are scheduled for both Wednesday and Thursday, with four games each on Friday and Saturday.

Service project with Convoy of Hope highlights championship week

Founded in 1968, the NCCAA uses intercollegiate athletics to advance the Great Commission and is committed to equipping student-athletes and coaches to make a positive impact for Christ. A distinctive feature of NCCAA championship events is the Christian Service Project.

During championship week in Point Lookout, the College, the NCCAA, and participating teams will partner with Convoy of Hope to serve families in the Tri-Lakes area. Last year, during the volleyball championship, teams packed 2,000 bags of nonperishable food for local families. During the basketball championships, an additional 4,000 bags were packed and distributed in the Branson area. This year’s tournament will again include efforts to pack and distribute thousands of bags of food throughout the region.

“We are looking forward to a great week of basketball,” Pentecost said. “We invite the community to join us in supporting the NCCAA and the student-athletes representing their institutions. This event provides an opportunity not only to enjoy competitive athletics, but also to support an organization striving to make a difference and to showcase College of the Ozarks and all the Branson area has to offer.”

For brackets, ticket information, and additional tournament details, call 417-690-2565 or visit bobcats.cofo.edu/NCCAA.