BULLDOGS SET TO FACE LSU SHREVEPORT IN NAIA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT OPENING ROUND

The Tougaloo College men's basketball team is headed to the national stage as the Bulldogs prepare to face LSU Shreveport in the opening round of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament.

Tougaloo enters the tournament as the No. 15 seed and will travel to Shreveport, Louisiana to take on the No. 2 seed Pilots, who will serve as the host for the first and second rounds of the tournament.

The Bulldogs bring a 19–9 overall record into the matchup after finishing as the runner-up in the HBCU Athletic Conference tournament. LSU Shreveport enters the postseason with an impressive 26–5 record, continuing its reputation as one of the NAIA's top programs.

Friday's matchup will mark the first meeting between the two programs since January 3, 2020, when the Pilots narrowly defeated the Bulldogs 86–81.

Tougaloo has relied on a balanced offensive attack throughout the season, led by standout guard Antonio Patterson, who averaged 20 points per game, ranking among the top scorers in the conference. Patterson has also contributed 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game, providing a strong two-way presence for the Bulldogs. Guards Tyler Hudson and Willie Anderson have also been key contributors, with Anderson averaging 14.2 points per game this season.

LSU Shreveport features one of the most potent offenses in the NAIA, averaging 91.2 points per game while adding 42.4 rebounds per game. The Pilots boast several double-digit scorers and are led offensively by standout forward Hayden Brittingham, who averages 17.7 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game.

The Bulldogs will look to slow down the high-powered Pilots' offense while continuing their strong defensive play as they seek to advance in the national tournament.

Tip-off between Tougaloo and LSU Shreveport is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana, with a trip to the next round of the NAIA National Tournament on the line.