Wolves in the Playoffs, What Happens Next?

By Ryan Palmer and Jack Carrigan

Every game matters, every point counts, and one result can decide an entire season. That’s exactly what makes these university battles so intense and exciting. The structures for men’s and women’s soccer and men’s basketball are designed to reward consistency while also creating high-pressure moments where teams must perform when it matters most.

Across all soccer and basketball competitions, teams are split into two brackets based on regular-season standings: the top six teams enter the Champions League, while the remaining teams compete in the Europa League.

In women’s soccer, the team finished 6th, earning a spot in the Champions League. This format includes two mini groups of three teams. Each group plays a round-robin, and the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals. From there, it becomes a knockout stage, with semifinal winners moving on to the final. The championship match is set for Saturday, April 18th, creating a high-stakes and structured path to the title.

For men’s soccer, finishing 7th out of 9 teams placed the team in the Europa League.

This bracket features a mini group of three teams playing a round-robin. Every game is crucial, as only the top two teams advance to the final, while the third-place team is eliminated. This format emphasizes consistency and makes each match impactful.

In men’s basketball, the team finished 9th in a 10-team season and entered a four-team mini group. After a three-game round-robin, the top-ranked team advances directly to the final. The remaining teams compete in a semifinal, with the winner earning the final spot. The championship game takes place on Friday, April 17th, delivering a fast-paced and competitive playoff conclusion.