Empire 8 Championship Preview: Houghton vs. Geneseo

The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2026 Empire 8 Women's Basketball Tournament as #3 seed Houghton University (22-5) prepares to host #4 SUNY Geneseo (19-8) in the championship game on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. in Houghton, NY. The winner earns the league's automatic berth to the 2026 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship Tournament.

Championship Website | Live Video | Live Stats

Season Snapshots

Houghton Highlanders
Houghton enters the title game riding momentum from a dominant win in the semifinals, where the Highlanders rolled past No. 7 Elmira, 66-48. Houghton controlled the paint and the glass, outrebounding Elmira 46-22 and showcasing balanced scoring. Senior standout Tabitha DeVries powered the offense with a double-double (17 pts, 12 reb), one of several strong postseason performances that have helped Houghton reach 22 wins on the season — two shy of tying the program's single-season win mark.

Houghton's campaign has been marked by resilient defense and efficient offense. With veteran leadership from guards like Crysta LaCrosse — nearing career milestones in points, assists, and rebounds — the Highlanders have blended experience with postseason poise.

SUNY Geneseo Knights
Geneseo enters as the defending Empire 8 champions and has carved out an impressive 19-8 record this year. In the semifinals, the Knights pulled off a gritty 54-48 victory over top-seed Nazareth, led by Grace Galgano's 15 points and 13 rebounds, and clutch free-throw shooting. Geneseo showcased their trademark tenacity and disciplined half-court defense to derail Nazareth's high seed en route to the championship game.

Throughout the season, Geneseo has demonstrated consistent offensive execution and rebounding toughness. Their path back to the title game — including dethroning a No. 1 seed — is a testament to the team's championship pedigree.

Season Series Spotlight

The lone regular-season matchup between these two teams came on January 24, when Houghton stunned Geneseo with a commanding 77-53 upset on their home floor. From the opening tip, the Highlanders controlled the contest, winning every quarter and forcing turnovers with a high-pressure defense. DeVries led all scorers with 21 points, while Houghton shot efficiently from inside and beyond the arc to throttle a Geneseo squad that had been undefeated in Empire 8 play prior to the loss.

That game not only shifted momentum in the conference race but also gave Houghton a psychological edge, proving they can compete — and dominate — against a familiar and formidable Geneseo lineup.

Key Matchup Dynamics

• Highlander Defense vs. Knight Execution: Houghton's ability to pressure the ball and convert turnovers into transition scoring will be pivotal. Geneseo's discipline and patience on offense — especially in handling half-court sets — must neutralize that early pressure.

• Rebounding & Second Chances: Both teams have shown the ability to control the glass, but the team that dominates rebounds and limits second-chance points may decide the pace and flow of this championship game.

• Experience on the Floor: With postseason experience and veteran leadership, both rosters have players capable of stepping up in big moments. This title game will likely be decided by who executes in the final minutes under pressure.

What's At Stake

For Houghton, this is a historic opportunity — their first time hosting the Empire 8 Championship game and a chance to secure the program's first league title. Meanwhile, Geneseo seeks to defend its crown and punch a repeat ticket to the NCAA tournament.

Expect a fiercely contested battle from tip-off to the final buzzer as Houghton and Geneseo renew their rivalry on the biggest stage of the season.