EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars have made history by securing its first-ever berth in the NCAA Tournament.
The Cougars reached this milestone with a resounding 69-48 victory over the top-seeded Southeast Missouri State Redhawks in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.
The victory is a moment nearly two decades in the making, as SIUE has been a Division I program for 17 years. Fans and students across the community celebrated Saturday’s historic win, gathering at local venues such as Sneaky’s Bar & Burger Joint to enjoy the moment with burgers, beer, and Cougar pride.
The excitement surrounding the Cougars’ success is palpable, with celebrations expected to continue as the team prepares for their debut in the tournament.
“For a local small town…it feels exciting to have this Cinderella story,” Alex Trepka, SIUE graduate, said. “And who knows where it goes, but right now I think it’s cause for celebration for us!”
The Cougars’ entry into the NCAA Tournament is a landmark achievement for SIU Edwardsville, energizing the community and setting the stage for future successes.