MANKATO, Minn. - Bethany will open the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship at 7:20 p.m. Friday against host Gustavus. 

Bethany earned an automatic qualifier as champion of the UMAC playoffs, while Gustavus also earned an AQ as winner of the MIAC playoffs. The Vikings enter the first round matchup with a 16-11 overall record and are ranked No. 217 in the NPI rankings, while the Gusties are 25-2 overall and ranked No. 12 in the NPI. 

The other matchup in the St. Peter regional features UW-Stevens Point (19-7) vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor (20-7) at 4:50 p.m. Friday. The Pointers earned an at-large bid and are ranked No. 20 in the NPI and the Cru earned an AQ and are ranked No. 36. The winners of Friday's opening round games will face each other at 7:20 p.m. Saturday in the second round.