Pioneers Finish Strong as Region 2 Runner-Up
The Western Oklahoma State College men's basketball team closed out an impressive 2025–2026 season with a run to the NJCAA Region 2 Tournament Championship game, finishing the year with a 20-11 overall record.
Entering the tournament as the No. 7 seed, the Pioneers embraced the underdog role and delivered one of the most exciting postseason runs in recent program history.
Western opened tournament play with a statement victory over regular season champion Seminole State College, defeating the Trojans 76-72. The win was especially significant, as Seminole had swept the Pioneers during the regular season.
The momentum carried into the semifinals, where Western faced Redlands Community College—another opponent that had bested them twice earlier in the year. This time, the Pioneers flipped the script in dominant fashion, cruising to an 85-58 victory to punch their ticket to the championship game.
In the Region 2 Championship, Western matched up against Northern Oklahoma College-Enid. Despite having swept Northern during conference play, the Pioneers came up short in the title game, falling 69-59 to finish as tournament runner-up.
Throughout the season, Western showcased resilience, growth, and a competitive edge that defined their identity. The team's postseason performance highlighted their ability to rise to the occasion and compete with the best in the region.
Sophomore standout Carlos Clater earned All-Region honors for his outstanding contributions throughout the season.
Head Coach Rolando De La Barrera praised his team's mindset and effort during their postseason run.
"I was very proud of the fight the team displayed during the tournament and their fearlessness in taking on opponents who had gotten the better of them during the regular season," said De La Barrera.
With a 20-win season and a second Region 2 Championship appearance in the last four years, the Pioneers continue to establish themselves as a strong contender in the region and a program on the rise.
