LOUISBURG, N.C. – Beacon College is the surprise pick to win the NSAC Men’s Basketball Tournament this season according to the league’s preseason coaches’ poll, while Apprentice and URBE were selected to win their respective divisions.
The Blazers were somewhat of an unexpected choice as they were also picked to finish third in what is expected to be a tough field in the South Division.
“Well, I like these picks, so that’s exciting,” said Beacon head coach Pat Burke at Wednesday’s NSAC Media Day. “Thank you to all the coaches. We still have a journey to go.”
NSAC men’s basketball is divided this year into North and South divisions with five teams in each. The top four teams per division will qualify for the conference tournament to be held at the Grafton Center in Umatilla, Florida February 25-27.
Defending NSAC champion Apprentice was the overwhelming choice to win the North, and URBE, last season’s regular season winner, was selected to top the South.
2026-27 NSAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll
Predicted Tournament Winner: Beacon College
NORTH DIVISION
1. Apprentice (40 points)
T2. MACU (27)
T2. SC Central (27)
4. Denmark Tech (22)
5. Barber-Scotia (17)
SOUTH DIVISION
1. URBE (35)
2. Atlantis (29)
3. Beacon (28)
4. Lighthouse Christian (17)
5. Southeast Christian (12)
