CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Men's Basketball Tournament Championship game is set for this evening, Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. The University of Dubuque Spartans (18-9 overall, 9-7 A-R-C) and Loras College Duhawks (19-7 overall, 12-4 A-R-C) will clash on Lillis Court in Dubuque, Iowa for the right to play in the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament.
The two teams split during the regular season in the crosstown rivalry. In the first meeting on December 3, the Duhawks came out on top 84-69. On January 28, the Spartans grabbed a 90-74 win.
The Spartans are back in the championship game for the first time since 2022 and fifth time in program history. Loras is back in the title game for the sixth time in program history and third time in the last four seasons. Both programs are on the hunt for their fourth tournament title in program history. This is the first time that UD and Loras will clash in the conference tournament title game.
The winner of this evening's game will receive the leauge's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
First Round - Tuesday, February 24
No. 5 Buena Vista University (53) at No. 4 University of Dubuque (76)
No. 6 Wartburg College (50) at No. 3 Coe College (66)
Semifinals - Thursday, February 26
No. 4 University of Dubuque (93) at No. 1 Nebraska Wesleyan University (85)
No. 3 Coe College (71) at No. 2 Loras College (72)
Championship - Saturday, February 28
No. 4 University of Dubuque at No. 2 Loras College - 7:00 p.m.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
