The Houghton Highlanders women's basketball team is set to compete in the 2026 NCCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship, held in Point Lookout, Missouri. Entering the tournament as the No. 4 seed, Houghton will open play against No. 5 seed Cedarville University in a first-round matchup on Wednesday evening at 9:45 p.m. Eastern.

The tournament features eight teams competing in a pool-play format before advancing to semifinal and championship rounds, with games played over three days. Cedarville and Houghton are matched in one of the most competitive opening contests in the field, with both teams looking to build early momentum.

Season Snapshot: Houghton

Houghton enters the national tournament following a dominant 2025-26 campaign with a 22-6 record, built on one of the most balanced statistical profiles in the NCCAA.

• 76.8 points per game

• +20.3 scoring margin

• 40.9% field goal shooting

• 33.3% from three (9.7 made threes per game)

• Holding opponents to just 56.5 points per game

The Highlanders have been especially effective on both ends of the floor, combining high-powered offense with elite defensive efficiency. Their ability to stretch the floor with perimeter shooting while limiting opposing scoring has been a defining trait all season.

Houghton's depth and offensive versatility allow them to score in transition, from the arc, and inside—making them a difficult matchup in a tournament setting.

Scouting the Opponent: Cedarville

Cedarville enters the tournament as the No. 5 seed with a 12-16 overall record, competing in the highly competitive Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

• 64.7 points per game

• +1.2 scoring margin

• 39.0% field goal shooting

• 29.3% from three (6.4 made threes per game)

• Strong rebounding presence (38.1 rebounds per game)

The Yellow Jackets rely on balanced scoring and physical play on the glass, ranking among the top rebounding teams in their conference. While their offensive numbers are more modest, Cedarville has shown the ability to stay competitive in close games, reflected in their narrow scoring margin.

Matchup Breakdown

This first-round contest presents a contrast in styles:

• Pace & Offense: Houghton holds a significant edge offensively, scoring over 12 points more per game than Cedarville.

• Perimeter Shooting: The Highlanders' three-point attack (nearly 10 makes per game) could be a decisive factor against a Cedarville defense that allows comparable shooting percentages.

• Rebounding Battle: Cedarville's strength on the boards will be critical in limiting second-chance opportunities for Houghton.

• Defense: Houghton's ability to hold opponents to 56.5 points per game could challenge Cedarville's consistency on offense.

What to Watch

• Can Houghton control tempo? A faster-paced game favors the Highlanders' offensive firepower.

• Rebounding margin: Cedarville's best path to an upset lies in dominating the glass.

• Perimeter efficiency: If Houghton finds rhythm from three, it could create separation quickly.

Opening Tip

The Highlanders and Yellow Jackets will tip off Wednesday night at 9:45 p.m. (ET) in Point Lookout, Missouri, with both teams looking to secure a critical opening win in pool play and position themselves for a deep run in the NCCAA National Championship.

Watch | Live Stats

Coverage

Championship Website
Live Stats: Here
Live Video (PPV): NCCAA Network
Twitter: @TheNCCAA  |  @NCCAAChamps
Instagram: @TheNCCAA
Flickr: Photos from the event will be posted here