Two last-second wins. Two conference championship celebrations. Two net-cutting ceremonies. One unforgettable afternoon inside Livingston Gymnasium on Feb. 21, 2026.
When might the Denison men’s and women’s basketball teams enjoy another day filled with such high drama and fanatic student-body support? They’re hoping it’s this weekend.
The Big Red will host the North Coast Athletic Conference Basketball Championships beginning Thursday and culminating in Saturday’s two title games. Denison became the first NCAC program to win the men’s and women’s basketball regular-season titles in the same year since Wittenberg University in 2004.
Fans packed Livingston Gymnasium to watch the Denison’s men’s and women’s basketball teams clinch regular-season conference titles. (Photo/Jace Delgado)
It earns them the right to play for the conference tournament championships on their home court.
“You could not draw up better scenarios for our two programs,” said men’s coach Chris Sullivan, whose Big Red team clinched their second consecutive regular-season NCAC title with a 71-70 victory over Ohio Wesleyan University.
The Big Red men (17-8) triumphed on a last-second free throw from Owen Giannoulias. The Denison women, ranked seventh in the nation, captured their first conference regular-season crown since 2016 on a layup from Ada Taute with four seconds remaining to defeat ninth-ranked OWU, 72-70.
Coaches from both Denison teams were thrilled with the crowd turnout for the regular season finales. (Photo/Jace Delgado)
“I don’t think anyone sat down in the fourth quarter, the game was that exciting,” said women’s coach Maureen Hirt, who guided her team to a 24-1 regular-season record and avenged its only defeat against Ohio Wesleyan.
What thrilled both Denison coaches was the atmosphere created by the fans, particularly the student body, who filled the gym.
“That’s the best fan turnout I’ve ever seen at a conference basketball game, and that goes back to when I played,” said Hirt, who starred at Kenyon College. “That kind of support means everything to us. It was the students, families, and members of the Granville community.”
Among the proudest people in attendance was Matt Tanney, the university’s athletics director and associate vice president. Since taking the reins last summer, Tanney has emphasized fan engagement. The big crowd at the basketball games followed on the heels of a packed house in Trumbull Aquatics Center for the conference swim meet Feb. 11-14.
Tanney hopes to see a carryover for the NCAC basketball tournament with both Denison teams gaining byes into the semifinals. The women face DePauw University on Thursday at 5 p.m, while the men will play Wittenberg on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Denison enjoyed tremendous support at the NCAC swimming and diving meet in Trumbull Aquatic Center. (Photo/Ty Wright)
“We had visitors on campus last weekend that were blown away by the atmosphere in Livingston,” Tanney said of the regular-season finales. “That was a blast. That is the environment we want for every team, all the time. I know it’s a bit aspirational right now, but that kind of environment makes a difference in the outcome of games.”
It starts with having outstanding programs that fans want to watch. The Big Red, winner of a record 21 all-sports conference trophies, have ample quality throughout their athletic department lineup. The men’s tennis and swimming and diving squads captured Division III NCAA titles last year, and Denison had four other teams make deep tournament runs during the 2024-25 academic year.
The women’s basketball team began a new tradition this season — giving their practice jerseys to friends to wear on game days. Both male and female students have been wearing the jerseys. (Photo/Jace Delgado)
Sara Lee, deputy director of Denison athletics, recalls the big crowds on campus at baseball and men’s soccer tournament games last year.
“Winning helps, it adds to the excitement,” Lee said. “There was a buzz on campus last week for the basketball games.”
The athletes have done their part off the court, as well. Members of the women’s basketball team began a new tradition this season — giving their practice jerseys to friends to be worn on game nights.
“They always return them in good shape, too,” women’s assistant coach Olivia Woolam said.
Among the most touching moments of the weekend celebration came after the women’s team cut down the nets. Six young fans from Granville asked players for autographs. The players not only honored the request but gave the girls a tour of their renovated locker room.
Denison coaches Chris Sullivan and Maureen Hirt cut down nets after clinching regular-season conference championships. (Photo/Jace Delgado)
Meanwhile, the men’s team drew lots of support from former players. More than 30 participated in a morning alumni game, with many sticking around for the title-clinching victory.
“Our programs have been building to this point for two or three years,” Sullivan said. “To see both teams thriving is really rewarding.”
Big Red basketball fever might not break once the conference tournament trophies are awarded this weekend. Denison already has submitted a bid to host first-round NCAA tournament games.
“We’ve given fans a taste,” Hirt said. “Hopefully, we can keep it going.”
