Pilots Raise First NIAC Banner Since 2019

(PLYMOUTH, MN) - The quest for a NIAC Championship was certainly on the minds of the Providence University College Pilots. They had not won since the 2018-19 season, a drought they certainly wanted to end.

Heading into the tournament, they received a bye to the semifinals on Saturday, February 24th. They would face the Sisseton Wahpeton College Mustangs in a spirited battle, but ultimately the Pilots pulled away with victory 87-58. Their opponents for the NIAC final? The defending NIAC and MCAC champions, the Canadian Mennonite University Blazers.

The Pilots and the Blazers are no strangers to competing against each other for championships. This would certainly be a tall task for the Pilots, but it wasn’t out of reach. The Blazers took the edge with experience and presence, but the Pilots system basketball proved to be too much yet again for the Blazers.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Pilots trailed 49-32. While it wasn’t out of reach, a 17-point deficit was going to be difficult to crawl back from. The Pilots managed to outscore the Blazers 27-5 in the fourth quarter, securing their win over their NIAC and MCAC opponents. The Blazers and Pilots are likely to renew rivalries yet again for the 2024 MCAC Championship. The Blazers will regroup as they look to defend their MCAC titles and extend their dynasty at the University of St. Boniface.