Game Preview: Owls Fly Into NCAA's Against Randolph Macon

WESTFIELD, Mass. — The Westfield State Owls (21-6) will face off against the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets (23-4) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 7, at 3:30 PM. The game will take place at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. Fans can follow the action through live scoring and streaming at WestfieldStateOwls.com.

For fans who plan to attend in person, per F& M, all tickets will be sold the day of the games. Doors will open 90 minutes prior to start of the first game. Admission for Friday is valid for both games that day. General Admission ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for Student/Seniors/Children.

WESTFIELD STATE

The Westfield State University Owls enter the NCAA Division III Tournament with a story defined by resilience and determination. Their path to the tournament was marked by a dominant performance in the MASCAC Tournament championship, where they overwhelmed Salem State with a resounding 93-63 victory. Not only did this win secure their automatic bid, but it also set a conference championship record for the largest margin of victory in tournament history.

At the helm of this dynamic program is head coach Rich Sutter, a veteran mentor now in his 28th season who has become synonymous with Westfield State basketball excellence. Having surpassed the milestone of 350 career victories during the 2022–23 season, he has guided the Owls through multiple conference championships, including tournament titles in 2015, 2020, 2022, and 2025.

The current Owls roster is a compelling blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience, with each player bringing a unique narrative to the court. Freshman Kenneth Rogers Jr. (Springfield, Mass.) has been a revelation this season. While most first-year players need time to adjust, Rogers has defied expectations, averaging an impressive 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and a team-high 3.9 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. His stellar play earned him MASCAC Rookie of the Year and Co-Player of the Year honors.

Providing veteran leadership is senior guard Lid Moreland (Bridgeport, Conn.). A key playmaker for the Owls, Moreland is averaging 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 2.3 assists per game. He ranked fifth in the league in scoring and second in steals, earning a spot on the MASCAC All-Conference First Team. His leadership was on full display in the MASCAC Tournament, where he was named MVP after scoring 20 points in the semifinals and 18 in the championship game. 

Complementing him is sophomore guard Xavier Lewis (Long Island, N.Y.), who orchestrates the offense with precision, averaging 9.2 points and 3.8 assists per game.

Senior center Eric Johnson (Houston, Tex.), the only remaining player from the 2022 NCAA Tournament squad, brings invaluable experience and leadership to the Owls. Averaging 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds per game, 1.3 blocked shots, and 1.2 steals per game, he ranks third in the league in blocked shots per game and seventh in rebounds. His defensive prowess was recognized across the conference, earning him MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The Owls' offense is a blend of precision, pace, and relentless execution. Averaging 88.6 points per game—9th in the nation—they don't just put up points; they dictate the tempo and break down opposing defenses. Shooting 45.5% from the field while pulling down 39.0 rebounds and tallying 13.0 steals per game, they thrive on turning defense into offense, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and defensive pressure. Their scoring ability isn't just about volume—it's a disciplined, high-energy attack that keeps opponents constantly on their heels.

RANDOLPH MACON

Their opponents, the fifth-ranked Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets, bring a well-rounded approach to the game. With a 23-4 record and an impressive 15-1 performance in the ODAC, they are known for their stifling defense, allowing just 58.8 points per game, while also boasting an efficient offense that averages 76.3 points per contest. This combination of defense and offense has made them a tournament staple. However, coming off a surprising loss in the ODAC Tournament semifinals, Randolph-Macon enters the NCAA Tournament with a chip on their shoulder, and their recent defeat could present a crack in their otherwise formidable armor as they look to bounce back.

The Yellow Jackets have been here before. They have a strong history as one of Division III's most successful programs, with 24 NCAA Tournament appearances to their name. Their recent accomplishments include winning the 2022 NCAA Division III National Championship with a dominant 33-1 record, claiming the 2021 'mythical national championship' by defeating #2 Trine University when the NCAA Tournament was canceled due to COVID-19, and making a Final Four run in 2010. Randolph-Macon has also held multiple #1 national rankings in the D3hoops.com polls.

Junior guard Jabril Robinson (Rockville, Md.) leads the Yellowjackets with 13.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, while his counterpart, junior guard Keishawn Pulley Jr. (Richmond, Va.), contributes 13.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and a team-high 5.5 assists. Supporting them, sophomore forward Malcolm Hodges (Richmond, Va.) and junior forward Liam Joyce (Allentown, Pa.) provide interior strength, with Hodges averaging 9.7 points and 5.1 rebounds and Joyce adding 7.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 25 total blocks on the season.

THE POD

The winner of the Westfield State – R-MC game will advance to play the winner of the site's other first round game as Catholic University (22-5, receiving votes in D3hoops.com poll) faces host  Franklin & Marshall College (21-6, receiving votes) in the second round on Saturday with a 6:00 p.m. tip.

Franklin and Marshall earned their NCAA Tournament bid by winning the Centennial Conference. Junior guard Kevin Nowoswiat (West Chester, Pa.), the team's top scorer, leads the charge, averaging 19.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 50.8% from the field. Catholic University enters the tournament after falling in the Landmark Conference championship game, but their strong season demonstrates their resilience and ability to compete at a high level. Senior guard Sean Neylon (Wilmington, Del.) leads the Cardinals, averaging 17.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 46.8% from three and 95.2% from the free-throw line, making him a dynamic offensive threat.

The weekend provides myriad opportunity for the four teams involoved.  It is a canvas where individual stories, team philosophies, and institutional pride will be painted in real time. For Westfield State, this is an opportunity to secure their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory and challenge the established hierarchies of Division III basketball. For Randolph-Macon, it is another step in their ongoing quest for national prominence.

Written by Tom Onorato – Sports Information Intern