The Skagit Valley College Cardinals men's basketball are headed back to the Final Four, marking their second semifinal appearance in the past three seasons under head coach Carl Howell after also reaching the semifinals in 2024.

The Cardinals finished the regular season in second place with a 26–3 overall record and a 12–2 conference mark before entering postseason play. Strong performances in the tournament have since pushed their win total to 29 victories.

Skagit Valley opened tournament play with a decisive 91–58 victory over Columbia Basin College in Game 5 of the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship. SVC's defense was dominant in the opening-round win, recording 14 steals and 7 blocks while holding the Hawks to just 32 percent shooting from the field. The Cardinals were equally impressive offensively, shooting 59.3 percent from the field. Skagit Valley set the tone early, opening the game with a 23–0 run over the first eight minutes before Columbia Basin scored its first points. The Cardinals maintained control throughout the game and never allowed the lead to fall below 20 points, leading by as many as 38 in the second half.

The Cardinals continued their strong play in the quarterfinals on Friday, defeating Centralia College 91–52 e to secure their spot in the Final Four. Skagit Valley's defense again proved formidable, recording eight blocks and nine steals while limiting the Trailblazers to 38.6 percent shooting from the field. With the win, Skagit Valley (29–3, 12–2) advances to the Final Four, where they will face Edmonds College, the No. 3 seed from the North Region, on Friday, March 13 at 2:00 PM in Pasco at Columbia Basin College.

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