The 2001 NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament was the 45th annual single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division II college basketball in the United States.
Officially culminating the 2000âÂÂ01 NCAA Division II men's basketball season, the tournament featured forty-eight teams from around the country.
The Elite Eight, national semifinals, and championship were played, for the first time, at the Centennial Garden in Bakersfield, California.
After losing in the previous year's final, Kentucky Wesleyan (31âÂÂ3) defeated Washburn in the final, 72âÂÂ63, to win their record eighth Division II national championship. It was additionally their second title in three years and fourth consecutive appearance in the title game.
The Panthers were coached by Ray Harper. Kentucky Wesleyan's Lorico Duncan was the Most Outstanding Player.
Location: Woodruff Hall Host: Adelphi University
Location: MacArthur Physical Education Center Host: Eckerd College
Location: Sportscenter Host: Kentucky Wesleyan College
Location: Halenbeck Hall Host: St. Cloud State University
Location: Brayboy Gymnasium Host: Johnson C. Smith University
Location: Lee Arena Host: Washburn University
Location: Hornets Training Facility Host: Queens College, with support from the NBA Charlotte Hornets
Location: Haggen Court at Sam Carver Gymnasium Host: Western Washington University
Location: Bakersfield Centennial Garden Host: California State University, Bakersfield