RALEIGH, N.C. – The pairings for the 2026 CIAA Basketball Tournament have been announced, with both Shaw University basketball programs set to open play on Tuesday, Feb. 24, inside CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Md.

The Lady Bears earned the No. 5 seed in the Southern Division and will face No. 4 seed in the Northern Division Bluefield State at 2:20 p.m.

In the only regular season meeting between the two programs, Shaw fell to Bluefield State 93-78 on Dec. 13, 2025, in Bluefield, WV. The Lady Bears will look to even the season series on a neutral floor as they open postseason play.

On the men's side, Shaw finished tied for third in the Southern Division standings but earned the No. 4 seed following conference tiebreaker scenarios. The Bears will take on the No. 5 seed in the Northern Division, Lincoln (PA.), at 6:40 p.m. in the evening session on Tuesday.

In the lone regular season matchup, Shaw used a dominant second-half performance to defeat Lincoln (Pa.) 80-59 on Jan. 8, 2026.

Both contests will be played at CFG Bank Arena and will be streamed live on ESPN+ as teams compete for a CIAA Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

For complete tournament information, including updated brackets, ticket details and broadcast information, visit shawbears.com and follow Shaw University Athletics on all social media platforms.