SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Chowan University men's basketball team picked up a critical 93-87 semi-final win over UNC-Pembroke on Saturday afternoon in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Championship. The Hawks clinched a spot in the championship game on Sunday, March 8th with the win over UNC-Pembroke.
Sunday's championship appearance will be the program's first-ever men's basketball championship game appearance since joining the league.
Joseph Lezeau II poured in a team-high 25 points in the win, stepping up to hit two critical free throws late in the game to help ice the victory and send the Hawks to the championship game.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 93, UNC-Pembroke 87
RECORDS | Chowan (18-13), UNC-Pembroke (21-8)
LOCATION | Spartanburg, S.C. (Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium)
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
The Hawks continued their hot hand from the floor, hitting 54% of their shots taken in the game. Although the game was tied early three times, the Hawks gained the lead in the first half and never lost it again, forcing the Braves to play catch up for a majority of the game.
Lezeau showed up in a big way, coming off the bench to score 25 points. He buried two three pointers and hit 13 free throws. Eric Gordon, Jr. turned in another banner performance, scoring 19 points and going a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe. Markell Hollis scored 15 points in just 18 minutes played. The freshman hit 4-5 from the floor and grabbed five rebounds. Damien Robinson scored 9 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the Hawks on the glass.
Chowan hit 8-14 from beyond the three point arch while hold the Braves to a 7-22 shooting performance. Chowan edged UNC-Pembroke on glass, grabbing 31 total boards to the Braves 30.
The road to the championship has been paved with thrilling victory after thrilling victory. Chowan opened the tournament with a second round win over Southern Wesleyan on their home court. The Hawks secured a 96-93 win over King in the quarterfinals, followed by Saturday's thrilling 93-87 win over UNC-Pembroke.
UP NEXT
Chowan's semi-final win over UNC-Pembroke sets the Hawks up to face off against Young Harris in the 2026 Conference Championship game on Sunday, March 8th. Tip off is slated for 1:00 PM at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium on the campus of Wofford University.
