Tommies Sweep ACAA Basketball Championships
Fredericton, NB - It was a historic weekend for the St. Thomas Tommies as both the men’s and women’s basketball programs captured the 2025–26 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) championships in Halifax, cementing one of the most successful seasons in recent memory for Tommies basketball especially on the women's side.
Men’s Team Returns to the Top
The Tommies men arrived in Halifax with one of the most explosive offenses in the conference, and they proved it when it mattered most.
St. Thomas finished the regular season with a 14–4 record, averaging a league-best 96 points per game while leading the ACAA in three-point percentage. Their high-powered attack carried into the postseason as they battled their way to the championship.
The Tommies opened the tournament in the semifinal against the UNB Saint John Seawolves. Determined to rewrite the script as last year they did not advance to the final, St. Thomas executed on both ends of the floor and secured the victory to advance to the championship game.
Waiting for them in the final was the tournament’s top seed, the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics, who had been the strongest team during the regular season and came from beating STU back to back at the end of regular season. But the Tommies rose to the moment, delivering one of their most complete performances of the season in a 91–73 victory to claim the conference title.
Head coach John Hickey guided the Tommies through the championship run, with veteran leadership playing a crucial role.
Evan Valanne and Vincent Lyttleton were instrumental throughout the weekend. Valanne recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds in the semifinal win and followed it up with 11 points and 14 rebounds in the championship game, anchoring the Tommies inside and helping secure his first ACAA title. Lyttleton dropped 20pts in the championship game while Marcus Wilson had 18pts.
Tommies offensive depth also proved decisive throughout the season.
Women Extend Dominant Run
The Tommies women’s basketball team matched that success, completing a dominant playoff run to secure the ACAA championship of their own.
Entering the tournament as the top seed, St. Thomas earned a first-round bye before facing the UNB Saint John Seawolves in the semifinal. The contest remained tight through three quarters before the Tommies pulled away late in the fourth to secure a 61–48 victory.
Katie Vidito led the way in the semifinal, with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while controlling the tempo and providing leadership on both ends of the floor.
The victory set up a championship matchup against their rivals, the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics. Once again, the Tommies delivered a complete performance, defeating MSVU 63–46 to capture the conference crown.
Vidito recorded another double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, continuing her strong leadership throughout the tournament. Claudia Steeves also played a key role; she had 20pts, Leblanc had 16pts.
The title extended the Tommies remarkable run to 19 consecutive wins, marking one of the most dominant seasons the program has produced in recent years.
Nationals Next for Tommies
With both teams crowned conference champions, the Tommies now shift their focus to the national stage. St. Thomas will represent the ACAA at the upcoming CCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship hosted by Vancouver Island University March 18-21 and CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship in Montreal hosted by Dawson College.
After a historic weekend in Halifax, the Tommies are heading to nationals with their sights set even higher.