Ottawa's Carleton Ravens are back on top of Canadian university basketball.
The Ravens defeated the Bishop's Gaiters 78–75 in a tightly contested final to claim the 2026 U Sports Men's Basketball Championship, the program's 18th national title and their first since 2023.
A Dynasty That Refuses to Slow Down
Carleton University's men's basketball program is, quite simply, the most dominant in Canadian university sports history. With 18 national championships, the Ravens have built a legacy that stretches back decades, producing players who have gone on to professional careers in Canada, the US, and internationally.
Sunday's win keeps that legacy very much alive. Going into the tournament, Carleton was considered a contender but faced real competition from a Bishop's squad that had a strong season. The final score, 78–75, tells you how close it got.
Ottawa Celebrates
In Ottawa, Carleton basketball is more than just a campus thing. The Ravens draw supporters from across the city, and their championships tend to spark genuine civic pride. There's something special about watching a local program compete at the highest level year after year.
What This Means for the Program
Head coach Dave Smart has built Carleton into a perennial powerhouse through a culture of discipline, fundamentals, and a relentless belief in the program's identity. This 18th title is another chapter in that story: and given the program's consistent recruiting and development pipeline, it's unlikely to be the last.
Congratulations to the Ravens on bringing another national championship back to Ottawa. 🏆
Source: @shottawa.tv on Instagram
