BREAKING: Queens makes NCAA Tournament for first time
First year of eligibility for big Division I tournament
Good afternoon! Today is Sunday, March 8, 2026, and we’re coming to you with BREAKING NEWS.
Need to sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know about Charlotte? Or upgrade to our paid version? Details here.
Today’s breaking news is brought to you by Carnegie Private Wealth. At Carnegie Private Wealth, we bring clarity to complexity. Through thoughtful planning and personal attention, we help you pursue opportunities and reclaim time for what matters most.
Queens University of Charlotte’s men’s basketball team wins the Atlantic Sun Conference for an automatic berth; national exposure ahead
by Tony Mecia
For the first time in its history, Queens University of Charlotte is going to the Big Dance.
The university’s men’s basketball team won the championship game of the Atlantic Sun Conference on Sunday, beating Central Arkansas 98-93 in overtime in Jacksonville, Fla., to secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Queens’ win gives Charlotte a team to root for in one of the country’s most popular sporting events.
This was the first season that Queens — which has about 1,600 students — was eligible to play in the NCAA Tournament, after a waiting period following its switch to Division I from Division II in 2022. The Royals are 21-13 and were the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Sun conference.
Queens’ upcoming appearance in the NCAA Tournament also promises national exposure for the school.
On Sunday, during the nationally televised championship game on ESPN2, one of the announcers said Queens “is in Charlotte — a gorgeous school, a beautiful neighborhood, small classes.”
His broadcast partner then described Queens as “in the Myers Park community of Charlotte, in south Charlotte, which is very nice, for lack of a better term.” He then added: “I’ll also say: Don’t bother going on Zillow and looking at the real estate prices in that part of the world. Just don’t even hurt your own feelings on that one.”
The 68-team NCAA Tournament starts on March 17. The usual basketball stalwarts in the Carolinas — such as Duke, UNC and Clemson — are expected to be there, too. In addition, High Point University won the Big South championship on Sunday for an automatic spot.
Queens is likely to have a tough match-up in its first NCAA Tournament. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi projected the winner of the Atlantic Sun conference to be a 15-seed. That means they would play a 2-seed when the tournament starts next week.
And the future of Queens athletics itself is in question, as the university is moving forward with plans to merge with Elon University. Elon and Queens have said the athletic programs will remain separate, but it is uncertain how long that arrangement might last.
Although Queens was picked before the season to win the conference, excitement had been building this weekend among Queens alumni in Charlotte, who were referring to an NCAA Tournament appearance as a pivotal and historic moment for the school’s athletics. Students, though, are on spring break.
Tony Mecia is The Ledger’s executive editor. Reach him at tony@cltledger.com.
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
◼️ About The Ledger • Our Team • Website
◼️ Newsletters • Podcast • Newcomer Guide • A Better You email series
◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Events Board • Merch Store • Manage Your Account
◼️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Substack Notes