Lehigh Basketball Advances to Championship
On March 8, 2026, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks faced off against the Colgate Raiders at Stabler Arena in a pivotal Patriot League semifinal matchup. The stakes were high, as both teams aimed for a chance to compete in the championship game.
Lehigh emerged victorious with a score of 76-69, securing their place in the Patriot League Championship. The game was tightly contested, with Lehigh leading at halftime 33-30. The Mountain Hawks capitalized on Colgate’s turnovers and outscored them in the paint during the second half, which proved crucial to their success.
Hank Alvey delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 30 points and contributing three blocks. His efforts were complemented by Nasir Whitlock, who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists, showcasing his all-around skills on the court.
Colgate’s Jalen Cox was a standout for the Raiders, scoring 26 points, but it was not enough to overcome Lehigh’s strong second-half performance. Andrew Alekseyenko also made significant contributions, adding 19 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
With this win, Lehigh improved their record to 17-16, while Colgate fell to 18-15. The Mountain Hawks will now face the winner of the Navy and Boston University matchup in the championship game, which adds to the excitement surrounding the team.
This victory is particularly meaningful for Lehigh, as they last met Colgate in the postseason two years ago during the 2023-24 season in the Patriot League Championship game. The rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to their encounters.
As the team prepares for the championship, the momentum from this victory could play a vital role in their performance. The players and coaching staff will look to build on this success as they aim for the title.
Overall, the win against Colgate not only secures a spot in the championship but also boosts the confidence of the Lehigh basketball team as they move forward in the tournament.