MIDAMERICA NAZARENE CLAIMS 2026 HEART WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
Presented by 516 Sports Capital
MidAmerica Nazarene University secured the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Tournament Championship on Tuesday evening with a 65-55 win over Benedictine College. This victory marks the Pioneers' first Heart Tournament Championship since 2016 and its first conference regular season and tournament double since 2013.
MidAmerica Nazarene set the tone early, holding Benedictine to 25 percent shooting in the opening quarter while building a 14-9 advantage after the first 10 minutes. The Pioneers extended their lead in the second quarter behind a strong defensive effort, limiting the Ravens to just five points on 2-of-15 shooting in the period. MNU carried a 29-14 lead into halftime.
The Pioneers continued to create separation in the third quarter, shooting 72.7 percent from the field in the frame. Despite the efficient offensive performance, Benedictine remained within striking distance. MNU entered the fourth quarter with a 53-35 advantage and led by as many as 19 points with 7:26 remaining.
Benedictine responded with a 16-2 run over a five-minute stretch to trim the deficit to five points with two minutes to play. MidAmerica Nazarene halted the momentum with a key basket in the paint and converted free throws down the stretch to secure the 10-point victory.
For the game, MNU shot 57.5 percent from the field and held Benedictine to 28.6 percent shooting. The Pioneers also controlled the interior, outscoring the Ravens 42-25 in the paint, and recorded 19 assists on 23 made field goals.
With the tournament title, MidAmerica Nazarene earns the conference's automatic bid to the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship. Tournament details and opponent information will be announced during the NAIA Selection Show held on Thursday, March 5.