The 1996 NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament was the 40th annual single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division II college basketball in the United States.
The tournament, which featured forty-eight teams, culminated the 1995–96 NCAA Division II men's basketball season.
The Elite Eight, national semifinals, and championship were played at the Commonwealth Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Fort Hays State (34–0) defeated Northern Kentucky in the final, 70–63, to win their first Division II national title.
Regionals
East - California, Pennsylvania Location: Hamer Hall Host: California University of Pennsylvania
South - Normal, Alabama Location: Elmore Coliseum Host: Alabama A&M University
North Central - Hays, Kansas Location: Gross Memorial Coliseum Host: Fort Hays State University
South Central - Rolla, Missouri Location: Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building Host: University of Missouri at Rolla
Northeast - Loudonville, New York Location: Alumni Recreation Center Host: Siena College
South Atlantic - Richmond, Virginia Location: Arthur Ashe Athletic Center Host: Virginia Union University
Great Lakes - Evansville, Indiana Location: Physical Activities Center Host: University of Southern Indiana
West - Bakersfield, California Location: CSUB Student Activities Center Host: California State University, Bakersfield
Elite Eight-Louisville, Kentucky Location: Commonwealth Convention Center Host: Bellarmine College
All-tournament team Sherick Simpson, Fort Hays State Paul Cluxton, Northern Kentucky LaRon Moore, Northern Kentucky Alonzo Goldston, Fort Hays State Kebu Stewart, Cal State Bakersfield
See also 1996 NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament 1996 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament 1996 NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament 1996 NAIA Division I men's basketball tournament 1996 NAIA Division II men's basketball tournament
References 1996 NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament jonfmorse.com