College of the Ozarks wins the 2026 NCCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship on March 21, defeating Bethel University of Indiana 73 - 64 at the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex.

College of the Ozarks won the 2026 NCCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship on March 21, defeating Bethel University of Indiana 73 - 64 at the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex.

The championship marked another milestone for the women’s program. The championship was the Lady Cats’ third NCCAA national title and their second straight, following previous national championships in 2023 and 2025.

The postseason also highlighted College of the Ozarks’ return to NAIA competition. After being readmitted to the NAIA in 2023 following a brief separation from 2021 to 2023, the College reentered conference competition and joined the Sooner Athletic Conference in the 2024-25 season. This year, the Lady Cats earned an at-large bid to the 2026 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, defeated Eastern Oregon 82-67 in the first round, and advanced to the second round before falling to host Dakota Wesleyan.

The Bobcats also finished the week strong on the men’s side. College of the Ozarks opened the NCCAA tournament with a 92 – 80 upset of No. 1 seed Bethel, with Garrett Snyder scoring 33 points. After a semifinal loss, the Bobcats closed the event with a 90 – 79 win over Nelson University – Arizona on March 21 to secure third place nationally.

Logan Jones helped lead the championship with a game high 25 points in the title game against Bethel, including a perfect 10 for 10 performance from the free-throw line. Ashlen Garrett added 22 points and seven rebounds as the Lady Cats forced 18 turnovers while committing only five. Jones later earned NCCAA First Team All - America honors, and head coach Becky Mullis was named NCCAA National Coach of the Year for the second straight year.