The Providence Pilots are champions of the Northern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NIAC) after an impressive three-game run at the 2026 championship tournament.
From dominant stretches to clutch fourth-quarter execution, the Pilots earned the title with victories on February 20, 21, and 22!
Quarterfinal
February 20, 2026
Providence 77 – Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College 51
Providence opened the tournament with authority, defeating Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College 77–51.
The Pilots jumped out early, leading 21–12 after the first quarter and extending the margin to 46–22 at halftime. Their defensive pressure and rebounding set the tone, finishing with a +22 advantage on the glass (56–34).
Key Performances:
Providence forced turnovers and capitalized in transition, building momentum heading into the semifinals.
Semifinal
February 21, 2026
Providence 77 – Université de Saint-Boniface 68
The semifinal proved to be a battle, as the Pilots edged Université de Saint-Boniface 77–68 in a tightly contested matchup.
USB shot efficiently throughout the game, but Providence stayed composed late. Clutch free throws and defensive stops in the final minutes sealed the three-point victory.
Key Performances:
- Faith Larocque – 10 points, 6 rebounds
- Fiona Garcia – 27 points
- Strong defensive rebounding in crunch time
The Pilots showed resilience, responding to every USB run and closing the game with poise under pressure.
Championship Final
February 22, 2026
Providence 80 – Trinity Bible (N.D.) 72
With the title on the line, Providence delivered its most complete performance of the weekend, defeating Trinity Bible 80–72.
After a tight first half (Providence led 34–34 earlier before building separation), the Pilots used a strong third quarter (23 points) and a composed fourth quarter (23 points) to pull ahead. They shot 34.8% from three-point range and hit 24 free throws, going 24-for-36 at the line.
Key Performances:
- Faith Larocque – 25 points
- Sydney Last – 15 points, 6 rebounds
- Fiona Garcia – 10 points, 4 for 4 on some clutch late free throws
- Adrian Alley - 8 points, 2 for 3 on three points made
- Balanced rebounding effort (42 total team rebounds)
Down the stretch, the Pilots converted key free throws and forced turnovers to secure the championship victory.
A Championship Identity
This title run was defined by depth, composure, and timely execution. Providence leaned on balanced scoring, aggressive rebounding, and late-game poise to complete the sweep.
Three games.
Three wins.
One championship banner.
The 2026 NIAC Women's Basketball Championship belongs to the Providence Pilots!!
