KEENE, NH – Keene State College Men’s Basketball played host this past weekend in the first and second rounds of the NCAA DIII tournament and are advancing to sectionals.

The Owl’s hosted Eastern University, the College of New Jersey, and Marymount University on Friday in Spaulding gymnasium. Eastern narrowly defeated TCNJ 80-79, setting the Eagles up for a match up Saturday against the winner of the Keene State vs. Marymount game.

The No. 5 nationally ranked Owls defeated Marymount 82-76 Friday night. Jeff Hunter and Octavio Brito combined for 44 points, 24 rebounds, eight assists, and six steals, while Spencer Aronson shot five three-pointers. KSC advanced to Saturday’s game against Eastern, while Marymount and TCNJ’s seasons both came to an end.

Keene State dominated on Saturday as Brito made eight threes and set a new career-high with 40 points, leading the Owls to a 109-85 win over Eastern University, ending the Eagles’ season. The Owls now advance to the Sweet 16 for the sixth time since 2004, and for the second time in program history in consecutive seasons. They’ve previously made in to the Sweet 16 in 2007, 2016, and 2023, and to the Elite Eight in 2004 and 2017.

Late Saturday night the Owls learned they’ll travel to Guilford College and Ragan-Brown Field House for the sectionals next weekend. They’ll tip off against the Quakers, ranked No. 7 nationally, Friday March 8th and 7:15.

Information regarding tickets, live-streaming, and live stats will be released later this week.