Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball#1949–50

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1948–1958)}}

The Dolphins' first varsity basketball game was a home game at the State Fair Coliseum against Siena on December 7, 1948, a 41–39 loss for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1948/12-08/page-36|title=Peters' Last Second Shot Defeats LeMoyne|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Vander Veer|first=Bud|date=December 8, 1948|page=36|access-date=May 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1948_1949/04%20December%2017%201948.pdf|title=Cagers Drop 2; Drub Hobart|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=December 17, 1948|page=5|access-date=January 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106014841/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1948_1949/04%20December%2017%201948.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2024}} The opening game against Siena had been treated by Le Moyne's student body as not simply the debut of the Dolphins as a basketball team but as the first game of what was expected to become a heated rivalry. In anticipation of the game, "BEAT SIENA!" was emblazoned across the front page of the school newspaper.{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1948_1949/03%20November%2024%201948.pdf|title=Beat Siena!|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=November 24, 1948|pages=1, 5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106003250/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1948_1949/03%20November%2024%201948.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2024|access-date=May 7, 2024}}{{rp|1}} A pep rally was held the night before the Siena game and attended by the team, the head coach, the athletics moderator, Rev. Vincent B. Ryan, S.J., and, of course, the cheerleaders.{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1948_1949/04%20December%2017%201948.pdf|title=The Indian was Burned...|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=December 17, 1948|page=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106014841/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1948_1949/04%20December%2017%201948.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2024|access-date=May 7, 2024}}

Le Moyne's first head coach and athletic director was Tommy Niland,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1948/10-03/page-52|title=Peters, with Siena, First LeMoyne Foe|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=October 3, 1948|page=46|access-date=May 9, 2024}} who mentored the varsity basketball team for 25 years, until 1973. Niland remained at Le Moyne after his coaching career ended, continuing in his role as the athletic director until his retirement in 1990. Le Moyne's athletics center is named in his honor.

Le Moyne's first victory came on the road at the Geneva Armory against Hobart on December 10, 1948. Dave Lozo scored 13 points, and team captain Don Savage added 11, as Le Moyne cruised to a 50–37 victory.{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1948_1949/04%20December%2017%201948.pdf|title=Le Moyne 50, Hobart 37|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=December 17, 1948|page=7|access-date=January 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106014841/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1948_1949/04%20December%2017%201948.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/35975107|title=LeMoyne Trounces Hobart, 50 to 37, for First Victory|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=9|date=December 11, 1948|access-date=January 18, 2024}}

During the first three years of its varsity basketball program, Le Moyne was led on the court by Don Savage.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1948/11-21/page-58|title=Don Savage Elected LeMoyne's Captain|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=November 21, 1948|page=52|access-date=May 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1949/11-20/page-59|title=LeMoynes Open Season Thursday|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=November 20, 1949|page=53|access-date=May 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/troy/troy-record/1950/11-21/page-14|title=Siena to Open Thursday with Tough Foe|newspaper=The Troy Record|date=November 21, 1950|page=24|access-date=May 7, 2024}} Savage had appeared in Le Moyne College's first ever intercollegiate contest on December 4, 1947, a 62–57 overtime victory for the freshman basketball team at Utica.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/honors/hall-of-fame/donald-savage/3|title=Donald Savage|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|access-date=January 2, 2024}} More than 400 Le Moyne students made the trip to see the game.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1947/12-09/page-32|title=Spirit Rides with Le Moyne '5'|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Durkin|first=Jack|date=December 9, 1947|page=33|access-date=May 7, 2024}} Savage had eight points in that game, while Dave Lozo scored a game-high 18 for the Dolphin Cubs.{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1947_1948/03%20December%2019%201947.pdf|title=Dolphins Sink Utica in Classic Debut|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=December 19, 1947|page=5|access-date=May 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106014842/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1947_1948/03%20December%2019%201947.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2024}} Joe Boehm served as captain of that freshman team,{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1947_1948/03%20December%2019%201947.pdf|title=Boehm Leads Cagers|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=December 19, 1947|page=6|access-date=May 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106014842/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1947_1948/03%20December%2019%201947.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2024}} which went 16–4 and was coached by Tommy Niland in an effort to build the basketball program from the ground up. Niland pulled double duty, serving as coach of both the varsity and freshman teams through the end of the 1949–50 season.{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1950_1951/05%20December%2014%201950.pdf|title=Lou Donahue Appointed Freshman Coach|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=December 14, 1950|page=3|access-date=May 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106033517/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1950_1951/05%20December%2014%201950.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2024}}

The challenge faced by Le Moyne during its inaugural varsity season was unique. The Dolphins were not simply a first-year basketball team; Le Moyne College was a second-year institution. Therefore, the Dolphins were composed entirely of sophomores and faced teams with experienced juniors and seniors in every game.

In June 1950, Le Moyne became a charter member of the Eastern Catholic Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (ECIAC).{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1950/06-21/page-30|title=LeMoyne Member of Newly Formed College Conference|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=June 21, 1950|page=15|access-date=May 9, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/686250390|title=Eastern Catholic Loop Ready for Fall Start|newspaper=Brooklyn Eagle|last=Gould|first=Ben|date=June 23, 1950|page=17|access-date=May 9, 2024}} After only one season, the ECIAC ceased publicizing itself as a conference and became an association of its member schools with no basketball champion crowned, leaving Le Moyne an independent again for 1951–52.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/576320293|title=Scholastic Slants|newspaper=The Tablet|location=Brooklyn, New York|last=Butler|first=Jack|page=18|date=March 8, 1952|access-date=January 13, 2024}}

In June 1955, Le Moyne became a charter member of the new Middle Eastern College Athletic Association (MECAA).{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/454179842|title=New Loop|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York|date=June 4, 1955|page=37|access-date=December 29, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/576324252|title=College League for Basketball|newspaper=The Tablet|location=Brooklyn, New York|page=18|date=June 11, 1955|access-date=January 13, 2024}}

The Dolphins produced seven winning campaigns and only two losing records in the first 10 seasons of their varsity program. They made their first postseason appearance in only their second season with no seniors on the roster at the 1950 Utica Optimist Club Invitational Tournament and took the title.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1950/03-17/page-55|title=LeMoyne Wins Utica Tournament As Savage Stars|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 17, 1950|page=28|access-date=May 11, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1949_1950/07%20March%2022%201950.pdf|title=Varsity Climaxes Season with Tourney Victory at Utica|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=March 22, 1950|page=1|access-date=July 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106043419/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1949_1950/07%20March%2022%201950.pdf|archive-date=January 6, 2024}} Le Moyne followed up by repeating as champions in Utica in 1951{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=tan19510302-01|title=LeMoyne Again Tourney Champs; Hartwick Takes Second, Utica Last|newspaper=The Utica College Tangerine|volume=5|issue=15|date=March 2, 1951|last=Comora|first=Owen|page=3|access-date=April 23, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1951/03-02/page-30|title=Savage Nets 27 As LeMoyne Wins Utica Tournament|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 2, 1951|page=30|access-date=May 11, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1950_1951/08%20March%2021%201951.pdf|title=Dolphin Sportlights|newspaper=The Dolphin|last=Hickey|first=Bill|date=March 21, 1951|page=3|access-date=July 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108023844/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1950_1951/08%20March%2021%201951.pdf|archive-date=January 8, 2024}} and 1952.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1952/03-09/page-42|title=LeMoyne Earns Third Cage Title, Beats Hartwick|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 9, 1952|page=35|access-date=May 13, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1951_1952/08%20March%2013%201952.pdf|title=Dolphins Win Utica Tourney|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=March 13, 1952|page=5|access-date=July 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109195647/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1951_1952/08%20March%2013%201952.pdf|archive-date=January 9, 2024}}

The Dolphins participated in the prestigious National Catholic Invitational Tournament (NCIT) in both 1951 and 1952. At the 1951 tournament, Le Moyne defeated archrival Siena, ranked no. 18 in the AP major program poll, on the Indians' home floor, the Dolphins' first victory over a ranked major program.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/257052455|title=LeMoyne Trip Siena, 57–53|newspaper=The Ithaca Journal|page=23|date=March 15, 1951|access-date=January 13, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1950_1951/08%20March%2021%201951.pdf|title=Siena Bows to Mighty Dolphins in N.C.I.T.|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=IV|issue=8|date=March 21, 1951|page=3|access-date=January 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108023844/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1950_1951/08%20March%2021%201951.pdf|archive-date=January 8, 2024}} Le Moyne finished third in the 1951 tournament{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1950_1951/08%20March%2021%201951.pdf|title=Dolphins Place Third in Catholic Tourney|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=IV|issue=8|date=March 21, 1951|page=1|access-date=January 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108023844/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1950_1951/08%20March%2021%201951.pdf|archive-date=January 8, 2024}} and reached the quarterfinals in 1952.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/52889841|title=St. Francis Reaches NCIT Semis|newspaper=Brooklyn Eagle|page=21|date=March 19, 1952|access-date=January 13, 2024}}

The Dolphins had 25 wins over University Division/major programs during their first decade, three of which came against opponents ranked in the AP major program poll. Their record against such foes was 25–49, including 3–4 versus ranked teams.

Don Savage was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in 1951, and, {{as of|2025|lc=y|post=,}} he is the only former Dolphin to play in the NBA. Savage was selected as the most valuable player of the 1950 and 1951 Utica Optimist Club tournaments and named to the 1951 NCIT all-tournament team. He ended his collegiate career as Le Moyne's all-time leading scorer with 1,341 points in three varsity seasons. Dick Kenyon, who played varsity basketball for four years, surpassed Savage's career total in 1956, finishing with 1,378 points.

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1958–1960)}}

The 1958–59 season marked the start of a golden era for Le Moyne Dolphins basketball. They appeared in seven of the 11 NCAA College Division tournaments between 1959 and 1969, reaching the Sweet 16 in 1959 and 1964.

The Dolphins were co-champions of the MECAA and made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1959, ranked no. 20 nationally in the small college coaches poll.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/135644199|title=UP Ratings List Tennessee Five as Best|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=49|date=March 5, 1959|access-date=January 21, 2024}} The Dolphins reached the Sweet 16, where they lost at Saint Michael's{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1959/03-08/page-107|title=LeMoyne Beaten in 71–70 Squeaker|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=March 8, 1959|pages=37, 40|access-date=June 5, 2024}} to finish the season 18–6. Junior Dick Lynch was unanimously named to the NCAA tournament All-Regional team and was also named to the All-MECAA first team for the second straight year. Senior Bob Hollembaek made the All-MECAA second team, and sophomore Chuck Sammons earned honorable mention. Dolphins head coach Tommy Niland was unanimously selected as 1959 MECAA coach of the year.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/576327455|title=Dreyer is MECAA All-Star Choice|newspaper=The Tablet|location=Brooklyn, New York|page=30|date=March 21, 1959|access-date=January 15, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1959/03-17/page-12|title=Niland Named Coach of Year|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 17, 1959|page=15|access-date=June 5, 2024}} Lynch also earned honorable mention on the Catholic All-America team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1959/03-15/page-43|title=Mention LeMoyne's Lynch on Catholic All-America|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 15, 1959|page=34|access-date=June 5, 2024}}

The Dolphins won the MECAA championship outright and made their second straight NCAA tournament appearance in 1960. They lost the regional semifinal game to Saint Anselm and the regional third-place game to Assumption to finish 13–5. Le Moyne's head coach, Tommy Niland, was unanimously chosen as 1960 MECAA coach of the year. Niland was also named Catholic small college coach of the year. Dick Lynch was named a MECAA All-Star, a first-team Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) small college All-Star and a second-team Catholic small college All-Star. John Caveny and Bill Stanley were both named All-MECAA second team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/576324294|title=Dreyer, Davey All-Star Picks|newspaper=The Tablet|location=Brooklyn, New York|page=18|date=March 19, 1960|access-date=January 16, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1960/03-12/page-12|title=Niland Voted 'Coach of Year'|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 13, 1960|page=12|access-date=June 10, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1960/11-27/page-193|title=Dolphins Open with Larries Saturday|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=November 27, 1960|page=35|access-date=June 12, 2024}} The 1959–60 Dolphins were inducted into the Le Moyne College Athletic Hall of Fame as a team in 2011.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/honors/hall-of-fame/1959-60-mens-basketball/98|title=1959–60 Men's Basketball|website=Le Moyne College Dolphins|access-date=January 5, 2024}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1960–1963)}}

The MECA organized an in-season tournament in December 1960, hosted by Saint Peter's. The Dolphins defeated the host Peacocks,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1960/12-28/page-11|title=LeMoyne Wins on Pitman Goal|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 28, 1960|page=11|access-date=June 14, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/526975907|title=LeMoyne Upsets St. Peter's, 64–62, in Cage Tourney to End Win Streak|newspaper=The Herald-News|location=Passaic-Clifton, New Jersey|page=28|date=December 28, 1960|access-date=January 16, 2024}} Iona{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/526977229|title=LeMoyne Defeats Iona, 90–60, Opposes LIU in Cage Final|newspaper=The Herald-News|location=Passaic-Clifton, New Jersey|page=17|date=December 29, 1960|access-date=January 16, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1960/12-29/page-20|title=LeMoyne Wallops Gales, 90–60|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 29, 1960|page=20|access-date=June 15, 2024}} and Long Island{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/30800573|title=LeMoyne Trims LIU, 66–57, for MECAA Crown|newspaper=The Daily Messenger|location=Canandaigua, New York|page=10|date=December 30, 1960|access-date=January 16, 2024}} to win the tournament title. Bill Stanley had 18 points and 17 rebounds in the final and was named the tournament most valuable player.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1960/12-30/page-12|title=LeMoyne Whips LIU, 66–57, to Win Tourney|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 30, 1960|page=12|access-date=June 15, 2024}}

The Dolphins had their 22-game home winning streak snapped by Saint Anselm, losing, 83–68, on January 6, 1961. The Dolphins' previous home loss had been a 65–50 drubbing at the hands of St. Bonaventure on February 5, 1958.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/976247723|title=St. Anselm's Quint Tops LeMoyne, 83–68|newspaper=Buffalo Courier-Express|page=14|date=January 7, 1961|access-date=January 16, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1960_1961/07%20February%2021%201961.pdf|volume=14|issue=7|title=St. Anselm's Quintet Snaps Dolphin Home Court Skein|newspaper=The Dolphin|page=8|date=February 21, 1961|access-date=June 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116230022/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1960_1961/07%20February%2021%201961.pdf|archive-date=January 16, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1961/01-07/page-9|title=LeMoyne Halted by St. Anselm's, 83–68|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=January 7, 1961|page=9|access-date=June 15, 2024}} In early January, Le Moyne was ranked no. 13 in the country among all Catholic schools. This ranking included both University Division and College Division institutions.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/576436607|title=DePaul Jumps to Fourth in Catholic Cage Poll|newspaper=The Tablet|location=Brooklyn, New York|page=16|date=January 14, 1961|access-date=January 17, 2024}} However, the Dolphins fell out of the rankings after the loss to Saint Anselm.

Bill Stanley grabbed 22 rebounds to break his own program record and scored a game-high 24 points in the Dolphins 73–69 loss at Buffalo State on February 2, 1961.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1961/02-03/page-14|title=St. Bonaventure Wins; LeMoyne Defeated: Dolphins Bow by 73–69 to Buffalo State|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 3, 1961|page=14|access-date=June 16, 2024}}

The losses of Bill Stanley, the team's leading scorer and rebounder at the time of his injury, and Chris Pitman, a key rotation player off the bench, was too much for the Dolphin to overcome down the stretch,{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1961_1962/07%20February%209%201962.pdf|title=The Finnish Line|newspaper=The Dolphin|last=Finn|first=Bill|page=7|date=February 9, 1962|access-date=January 18, 2024}} and they lost four of their final six games, finishing 16–7 in collegiate contests. Stanley was unanimously named a 1961 MECAA All-Star. John Caveny and Tom Burns were named second-team MECAA All-Stars.

The Dolphins were 13–9 overall and 4–1 in MECAA play in 1961–62, winning their third conference championship. Bill Stanley was the 1962 MECAA most valuable player and Tommy Niland was the conference's coach of the year. It was the first time a Le Moyne player had earned a conference MVP award and the third MECAA coach of the year honor for Niland. It was Stanley's second straight MECAA All-Star selection. John Caveny was named to the MECAA All-Star second team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/576292735|title=MECAA Names Stanley M.V.P.|newspaper=The Tablet|location=Brooklyn, New York|page=15|date=March 24, 1962|access-date=January 18, 2024}}

The Dolphins' first game in their new Le Moyne Athletic Center was a 43–41 victory over archrival Siena on December 1, 1962.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/36510638|title=Dolphins Top Siena, 43–41; Flynn Hero|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|pages=36, 38|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=December 2, 1962|access-date=January 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19621214-01|title=Flynn's Shot Beats Siena; First Victory in Fieldhouse|newspaper=The Dolphin|page=|date=December 14, 1962|access-date=January 25, 2024}}

The Dolphins suffered through a mid-season slump and finished the 1962–63 season with a 12–10 record in collegiate contests. Mickey Flynn was named All-MECAA first team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/576319113|title=Top MECAA Honors Won by St. Francis|newspaper=The Tablet|location=Brooklyn, New York|page=16|date=March 28, 1963|access-date=January 23, 2024}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1963–1966)}}

The Dolphins returned to the NCAA tournament in 1964, for the first time in four years. They entered the tournament as MECAA champions with a 4–1 league record and 17–5 overall and winners of five straight and 14 of their previous 15 games. The Dolphins had two victories over University Division opponents.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19640206-01.1.8|title=Dolphins Win in NY|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XVII|issue=8|page=8|date=February 6, 1964|access-date=June 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/137717458|title=Le Moyne Five Wins|newspaper=Rochester Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=6D|date=January 11, 1964|access-date=January 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1964/01-12/page-157|title=Cooney Paces Dolphins over St. Francis, 58 to 54|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=33|date=January 12, 1964|access-date=June 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19640206-01|title=Dolphins 74, Iona 56, Cooney, DeYulia Star|newspaper=The Dolphin|last=Switzer|first=Doug|page=8|date=February 6, 1964|access-date=January 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1964/02-02/page-140|title=LeMoyne Scores Impressive Triumph over Iona|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=29|date=February 2, 1964|access-date=June 25, 2024}} Le Moyne beat Youngstown State in the regional semifinals,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1964/03-07/page-13|title=LeMoyne Pulls Tourney Surprise|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|pages=13–14|date=March 7, 1964|access-date=June 25, 2024}} but lost in the Mideast Regional Final Sweet 16 game to Akron.{{cite book|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_champs_records/2010/d2/champs.pdf|title=Division II Men's Basketball Championship|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association|pages=26–27, 29–30|date=2010|access-date=January 1, 2024}}{{rp|p=26}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19640319-01.1.6|title=Many Follow Dolphins; Season Closes with Thanks|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XVII|issue=11|page=6|date=March 19, 1964|access-date=June 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/151349700|title=Zips Romp into NCAA Title Round|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|last=Tibbals|first=Loren|page=1B|date=March 8, 1964|access-date=January 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1964/03-08/page-31|title=Akron Drubs LeMoyne in Tourney, 62 to 38|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|pages=31–32|date=March 8, 1964|access-date=June 25, 2024}} Tommy Niland was named 1964 MECAA coach of the year, the fourth time he was so honored,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/527746090|title=Hatchin' 'Em Out|newspaper=The Scranton Tribune|location=Scranton, Pennsylvania|last=Feldman|first=Chic|page=24|date=April 22, 1964|access-date=January 23, 2024}} Gary DeYulia was named All-MECAA first team, and Tom Cooney was selected for the second team.{{cite news|url=https://cdm15739.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/SienaNP01/id/1570/rec/613|title=Tepee Tidbits|newspaper=Siena News|last=Harrington|first=Tom|page=6|date=April 17, 1964|access-date=January 23, 2024}} DeYulia was also named an ECAC All-Star.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19650211-01|title=DeYulia Paces Le Moyne Again|newspaper=The Dolphin|last=O'Connor|first=Tom|page=6|date=February 11, 1965|access-date=January 28, 2024}}

In April 1964, Le Moyne College announced that it would sponsor and participate in a four-team Christmas invitational basketball tournament to take place on December 29 and 30.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19640430-01.1.8|title=Christmas Tournament Announced|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XVII|issue=12|page=8|date=April 30, 1964|access-date=June 26, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1964/04-26/page-67|title=Dolphins to Stage Christmas Tourney|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=34|date=April 26, 1964|access-date=June 25, 2024}} The Dolphins won the tournament, and Gary DeYulia was named most valuable player.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19650211-01.1.8|title=Christmas Tourney Successful; Dolphins Emerge As Champs|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XVIII|issue=8|page=8|date=February 11, 1965|access-date=January 28, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1964/12-31/page-12|title=Host LeMoyne Defeats St. Mikes|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|pages=10–11|date=December 31, 1964|access-date=January 28, 2024}}

The Dolphins accepted a bid to host the Northeast Regionals of the 1965 NCAA College Division tournament. Le Moyne head coach Tommy Niland was named tournament director for the regional.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1965/02-24/page-12|title=LeMoyne Tourney Host|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=12|date=February 24, 1965|access-date=January 30, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19650225-01|title=Le Moyne Named As NCAA Court|newspaper=The Dolphin|last=O'Connor|first=Tom|page=8|date=February 25, 1965|access-date=January 30, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1964_1965/10%20March%2018%201965.pdf|title=Sidelines|newspaper=The Dolphin|page=7|date=March 18, 1965|access-date=January 5, 2024}}

In 1965, The Dolphins won their second straight MECAA championship with a 4–1 league record{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1965/03-03/page-31|title=Dolphins Win League Title|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=16|date=March 3, 1965|access-date=June 27, 2024}} and entered the NCAA tournament 18–3, including 3–0 against University Division opponents.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1965/01-10/page-138|title=LeMoyne Upsets Iona; Orangemen Overwhelm Pitt: Dolphins Win 5th Straight|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=25|date=January 10, 1965|access-date=June 26, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1965/01-28/page-22|title=LeMoyne Blasts St. Peter's, 75–55, for 8th in Row|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|pages=22–23|date=January 28, 1965|access-date=June 27, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1965/02-07/page-65|title=Amazing Dolphins Turn Back St. Francis, 53–46|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|department=section IV|page=27|date=February 7, 1965|access-date=June 27, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19650211-01.1.8|title=Dolphins Triumph for Tenth Straight|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XVIII|issue=8|page=8|date=February 11, 1965|access-date=June 27, 2024}} However, they lost to Assumption, 76–58.{{rp|p=26}} In the regional third-place game, they lost to Hartwick, 70–68 victory.{{rp|p=26}} Gary DeYulia was named a 1965 ECAC first-team All-Star,{{cite news|url=https://cdm15739.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/SienaNP01/id/5337/rec/636|title=Mulvey Named to ECAC, Sets Two Season Records|newspaper=Siena News|page=6|date=March 19, 1965|access-date=January 30, 2024}} received honorable mention for the 1965 Little All-America team, and was honored as first-team All-MECAA.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/louisiana/monroe/monroe-news-star/1965/03-10/page-13|title=Church, Rook Named to AP Little All-America Quintet|newspaper=The Monroe News-Star|date=March 10, 1965|page=5-B|access-date=June 27, 2024}} Tommy Niland won his fifth MECAA coach of the year award.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1965/04-16/page-33|title=Niland Selected Coach of the Year|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=18|date=April 16, 1965|access-date=June 27, 2024}} In the final of their 1965 Christmas tournament, the Dolphins met Hartwick, resulting in a 53–52 victory.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19660210-01.1.6|title=Dolphins Win Six; Capture Tourney: Win Christmas Tourney by Edging Hartwick|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XIX|issue=10|last=Triggs|first=John|page=6|date=February 10, 1966|access-date=February 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1965/12-31/page-11|title=De Yulia Nets Big Basket|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Dinberg|first=Hal|pages=11–12|date=December 31, 1965|access-date=January 31, 2024}}

For the second straight season, the Dolphins hosted NCAA tournament regional games in 1966.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1966/02-17/page-25|title=Dolphins to Host Tourney|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=14|date=February 17, 1966|access-date=January 31, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1966/02-23/page-14|title=LeMoyne Gets Tournament Bid; SU Awaits One: Two Others in Local Event|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|page=14|date=February 23, 1966|access-date=February 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19660224-01.1.1|title=Le Moyne to Host NCAA Regionals|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XIX|issue=12|last=Callahan|first=Larry|page=1|date=February 24, 1966|access-date=February 7, 2024}} Le Moyne entered the tournament 14–5, including two wins against University Division opponents,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-american/1966/01-30/page-57|title=LeMyne Upsets Iona|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Adams|first=Judy|date=January 30, 1966|pages=45–46|access-date=June 30, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/139376394|title=Deyulla [sic] Pace LeMoyne Win|newspaper=Rochester Democrat and Chronicle|date=February 6, 1966|page=2D|access-date=July 1, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1966/02-07/page-30|title=Lemoyne Will Play Three Road Games|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=15|date=February 7, 1966|access-date=July 1, 2024}} but lost their first-round game to Philadelphia Textile, 83–61.{{rp|p=26}} Le Moyne won their consolation game against Potsdam State, 86–63.{{rp|p=26}} DeYulia had 25 points in the consolation game, giving him 51 for the two tournament games, and was named a Northeast Region Section B All-Star.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1966/03-03/page-48|title=LeMoyne Triumphs in Consolation of NCAA Playoffs|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|page=25|date=March 3, 1966|access-date=February 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19660310-01.1.3|title=Le Moyne Takes Third|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XIX|issue=14|page=5|date=March 10, 1966|access-date=February 7, 2024}}

After the tournament, the Dolphins closed the regular-season with a record of 16–6.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-american/1966/03-06/page-75|title=LeMoyne Topples Siena, 88–72|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|page=69|date=March 6, 1966|access-date=February 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19660310-01.1.4|title=Dolphins Finish Season with Victory over Siena|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XIX|issue=14|last=Knox|first=Tom|page=6|date=March 10, 1966|access-date=February 7, 2024}} DeYulia finished his career with 1,212 points, second on Le Moyne' all-time scoring list.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1966/03-07/page-34|title=Colgate-LaFayette Tilt Ends Upstate Schedule|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=17|date=March 7, 1966|access-date=July 1, 2024}} Gary DeYulia was named 1966 MECAA player of the year. Tom Mullen was selected second-team all-MECAA.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/troy/troy-record/1966/04-02/page-18|title=DeYulia, Kennedy Honored|newspaper=The Troy Record|date=April 2, 1966|page=18|access-date=July 1, 2024}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1966–1969)}}

After struggling through an 11–10 season in 1966–67, the Dolphins regained their form and, led by captain Gerry McDermott, went 14–8 in 1967–68, including a trip to the NCAA tournament.

With Gerry McDermott slowed by an injury and able to play only limited minutes, Buffalo State used their size advantage to control the boards and defeat the Dolphins, 83–66, in the first round of the tournament. Le Moyne struggled throughout the game to get good looks at the basket against taller defenders. Tom Downey managed to score 13 points. John Zych was the only other Dolphin to reach double figures with 10 points. McDermott finished with eight points.{{rp|p=27}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1968/03-06/page-17|title=Buffalo State Overpowers Le Moyne, 83 to 66|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|pages=17, 19|date=March 6, 1968|access-date=April 26, 2024}}

Northeastern hit 23 of 34 free-throw attempts compared with only 6 for 11 by the Dolphins, and the Huskies won the consolation game of the Northeast Region's Section B, 67–54. Each team had 44 rebounds, and Le Moyne had 24 field goals, while Northeastern had only 22. However, the Dolphins were unable to defend the larger Huskies without fouling. Senior Dave Cary came off the bench to score a season-high 21 points for Le Moyne. Earl Eichelberger had 10 rebounds. Tom Downey was held to four points. Gerry McDermott exacerbated his left heel injury in the Buffalo State game and did not play.{{rp|p=27}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1968/03-07/page-41|title=Dolphins Bow, 67–54; Buffalo State Kings|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|page=42|date=March 7, 1968|access-date=April 26, 2024}}

Gerry McDermott was named to the second team of the 1968 NCAA District 2 College Division All-Stars.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/oswego/oswego-palladium-times/1968/04-16/page-10|title=More Honors for Wilson|newspaper=The Palladium-Times|location=Oswego, New York|date=April 16, 1968|page=10|access-date=July 3, 2024}}

The Dolphins were 4–1 in MECAA play in 1968–69,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1969/01-31/page-27|title=Le Moyne Beaten|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=14|date=January 31, 1969|access-date=May 3, 2024}} and shared the conference championship with Saint Peter's.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/58816790|title=St. Peter's Five Wallops Siena|newspaper=The Troy Record|location=Troy, New York|page=24|date=March 5, 1969|access-date=May 4, 2024}}

The Dolphins were invited to the NCAA tournament in 1969, for the second straight season and fifth time in six years and selected to host the East Regional tournament games.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1969/02-21/page-22|title=LeMoyne Tourney Host|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=22|date=February 21, 1969|access-date=May 3, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19690227-01|title=LeMoyne Hosts Tourney: Plays Second Year in a Row|newspaper=The Dolphin|last=Tesori|first=Joe|date=February 27, 1969|pages=1, 4|access-date=May 4, 2024}} Matt Fallis had been suffering from an ankle injury but was able to play in the Dolphins' first-round game against Montclair State and finished with 12 points. Chuck Brady had 14 points in the first half, and the Dolphins had a 43–40 lead at intermission after a back and forth opening stanza which saw each team lead by as many as seven points. The Indians opened the second half with a three-point play to tie the game at 43. With the score tied at 58, Montclair State went on a 12–2 run to take a 10-point lead as the Dolphins' shooting went cold. Le Moyne got no closer than six points down, until Brady's midcourt shot went through the hoop at the final buzzer, as the Indians held on for an 81–77 win. Brady scored a game-high 24 points.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1969/03-08/page-12|title=LeMoyne Bows to Montclair in Tourney, 81–77|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=11|date=March 8, 1969|access-date=May 4, 2024}}

The Dolphins jumped all over Albany State (NY) in the regional third-place game, building a 44–30 halftime lead and stretching it to a 20-point advantage early in the second half. However, the Great Danes fought back, led by Rich Margison, who scored 24 second-half points on 10-for-13 shooting. Le Moyne had a 70–66 lead in the final minute, but two baskets by Margison, the second with 20 seconds to play, tied the game at 70. A Margison free throw with three seconds left gave Albany State the win, 71–70.{{rp|p=27}} Bob Bradley scored 24 points for the Dolphins and was named to the East Region all-tournament team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/canandaigua/canandaigua-daily-messenger/1969/03-10/page-7|title=Montclair State Easily Wins NCAA College Division Title|newspaper=The Daily Messenger|location=Canandaiga, New York|date=March 10, 1969|page=7|access-date=May 4, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19690508-01|title=The Year in Review|newspaper=The Dolphin|date=May 8, 1969|page=8|access-date=May 4, 2024}} The Dolphins finished the season 15–8. They were 13–6 against College Division opponents and 2–2 versus University Division foes.

Tom Downey was named to the 1969 All-East Region first team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1969/11-25/page-22|title=Downey to Captain LeMoyne Cagers|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=22|date=November 25, 1969|access-date=May 6, 2024}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1969–1973)}}

The Dolphins' 1969–70 season featured the debut of Phil Harlow,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1969/11-12/page-24|title=Downey, Zych Lead Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=24|date=November 12, 1969|access-date=May 6, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1969/12-03/page-24|title=Le Moyne Faces Rochester|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|page=24|date=December 3, 1969|access-date=May 6, 2024}} who would later become Le Moyne's all-time career scoring leader while still a junior.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/auburn/auburn-citizen-advertiser/1972/03-06/page-16|title=SU '5' Finishes with Victory over Colgate|newspaper=The Citizen-Advertiser|location=Auburn, New York|date=March 6, 1972|page=16|access-date=July 9, 2024}}

After NCAA tournament bids in each of the previous two seasons, expectations were high, and the Dolphins were ranked no. 1 among Upstate New York small college teams in pre-season polling conducted by the Upstate Sports Information Directors Council.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/auburn/auburn-citizen-advertiser/1969/11-26/page-15|title=LeMoyne Ranked Best Small College|newspaper=The Citizen-Advertiser|location=Auburn, New York|date=November 26, 1969|page=15|access-date=July 8, 2024}} However, after a loss at Buffalo on February 21,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/buffalo/buffalo-spectrum/1970/02-23/page-10|title=Basketball Bulls Defeat Lemoyne and Brockport|newspaper=The Spectrum|publisher=State University of New York at Buffalo|last=Rubin|first=Barry|date=February 23, 1970|page=10|access-date=July 8, 2024}} dropped the Dolphins to 7–10 on the season, the team needed wins in its final four games to finish with a winning record.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1970/02-24/page-15|title=LeMoyne Hosts Ithaca Cagers|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 24, 1970|page=15|access-date=May 7, 2024}} Victories over Ithaca,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1970/02-25/page-16|title=Dolphins Down Ithaca|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=February 25, 1970|page=17|access-date=May 7, 2024}} Saint Michael's,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1970/02-02/page-33|title=Keeping Posted|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Bill|date=March 2, 1970|page=17|access-date=May 7, 2024}} Cortland State,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1970/03-05/page-25|title=LeMoyne Rallies to Beat Cortland|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 5, 1970|page=25|access-date=May 7, 2024}} and Siena{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/glens-falls/glens-falls-times/1970/03-23/page-14|title=Bob Bradley Averages 15.2 Points per Game for LeMoyne Varsity|newspaper=Glens Falls Times|date=March 23, 1970|page=15|access-date=July 9, 2024}} gave the Dolphins a four-game winning streak to close the season at 11–10. It was the 12th consecutive winning season and 18th straight non-losing season for the Dolphins. However, this was the first season since the NCAA split into the University Division and the College Division in 1956, in which the Dolphins failed to earn a victory over a University Division opponent. Le Moyne was 11–6 against College Division teams and 0–4 versus University Division foes.

The Dolphins finished the 1970–71 season 9–12, their first losing record since 1951–52. Le Moyne was 1–4 against University Division opponents and 8–8 versus College Division foes.

Phil Harlow became Le Moyne's all-time leading career scorer on March 4, 1972. The Dolphins rebounded from their losing season the previous year and finished 13–10.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1972/03-08/page-36|title=LeMoyne Wins Final Game|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=March 8, 1972|page=34|access-date=July 9, 2024}}

On November 16, 1972, Le Moyne announced that Tommy Niland would resign as head coach at the end of the 1972–73 season but would continue in his role as athletic director. Niland cited a desire to spend more time with his family as a reason for his decision. The school said a successor would be named by the end of December.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/auburn/auburn-citizen-advertiser/1972/11-16/page-17|title=Niland to Resign after This Season|newspaper=The Citizen-Advertiser|location=Auburn, New York|date=November 16, 1972|page=17|access-date=July 11, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19721117-01.1.1|title=Niland to Retire at Season's End|newspaper=The Piper|publisher=Le Moyne College|last=Warren|first=Paul|volume=4|issue=9|date=November 17, 1972|page=1|access-date=July 11, 2024}} On December 19, Le Moyne announced that assistant coach Tom Cooney would succeed Niland. Cooney played for three seasons on Le Moyne's varsity team and was captain as a senior during the 1963–64 season, during which the Dolphins were MECAA champions and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA College Division tournament. Prior to becoming Niland's assistant, Cooney was the head coach at St. Vincent de Paul High School in Syracuse for three seasons.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1972/12-19/page-61|title=Dolphins Select Cooney|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=December 19, 1972|page=61|access-date=July 11, 2024}}

The Dolphins defeated St. Francis (NY) on February 6, 1973, improving to 9–5 overall and completing their conference slate with a perfect 5–0 record.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1973/02-07/page-69|title=LeMoyne Defeats St. Francis, 83–76|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|department=section III|last=Reddy|first=Bill|date=February 7, 1973|page=23|access-date=July 11, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19730209-01.1.8|title=Dolphins Tame Terriers, 83–76|newspaper=The Piper|publisher=Le Moyne College|last=Frey|first=Ed|volume=4|issue=14|date=February 9, 1973|page=8|access-date=July 11, 2024}} The MECAA championship was the Dolphins' seventh league title.

Tommy Niland closed his coaching career with a 65–61 loss at archrival Siena on March 3, 1973. The Dolphins were 13–9 overall in his final season, and {{as of|2025|lc=y|post=,}} his 324 wins and seven NCAA tournament appearances both remain the most ever by a Le Moyne head coach. Phil Harlow scored 29 points in his final collegiate game to finish as Le Moyne's all-time leading scorer with 1,823 points.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19730309-01.1.8|title=Coach Niland Closes Career|newspaper=The Piper|publisher=Le Moyne College|last=Frey|first=Ed|volume=4|issue=17|date=March 9, 1973|page=8|access-date=July 11, 2024}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1973–1979)}}

{{anchor|1973–74}}Le Moyne became a Division II institution, when the College Division was split in 1973, and Tom Cooney was appointed as the new head coach for the 1973–74 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1973/11-22/page-78|title=LeMoyne Preps for Home Debut|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=November 22, 1973|page=30|access-date=July 16, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19731102-01.1.4|title=Inexperience Disquiets Varsity|newspaper=The Piper|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=5|issue=7|last=Avery|first=Dave|date=November 2, 1973|pages=4–5|access-date=July 16, 2024}}

Senior co-captain Rick May became the ninth player in program history to reach 1,000 career points{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1974/01-24/page-12|title=Le Moyne Shocks Hartwick|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Holdridge|first=Mike|date=January 24, 1974|page=13|access-date=July 17, 2024}} and also became the first Le Moyne player to record 1,000 career rebounds during the 1973–74 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1974/02-27/page-33|title=Le Moyne Cagers Whip Clarkson by 30|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wheeler|first=Rick|date=February 27, 1974|page=33|access-date=July 18, 2024}} The Dolphins finished the 1973–74 season 14–10.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1974/03-04/page-14|title=Dolphins' Hoop Strength Could be Making Waves|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wheeler|first=Rick|date=March 4, 1974|page=14|access-date=July 18, 2024}}

{{anchor|1974–75}}After starting the 1974–75 season 0–4 and 3–8,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1974/12-10/page-13|title=Dolphins Hold Fogle but Fall Just Short|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Holdridge|first=Mike|date=December 10, 1974|page=13|access-date=July 20, 2024}} the Dolphins rebounded to finish 14–11 and earned three victories over Division I opponents.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1975/01-15/page-75|title=Dolphins Nip Iona|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 15, 1975|page=19|access-date=July 22, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1975/02-06/page-13|title=Zalewski Gives Dolphins OT Zip|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wheeler|first=Rick|date=February 6, 1975|page=13|access-date=July 22, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/oneonta/new-york-oneonta-daily-star/1975/02-17/page-15|title=Home Court Advantageous for Upstate Hoop Teams|newspaper=The Daily Star|location=Oneonta, New York|date=February 17, 1975|page=15|access-date=July 22, 2024}}

{{anchor|1975–76}}Jene Grey, who would finish his career as Le Moyne's second leading career scorer and rebounder, made his collegiate debut in the 1975–76 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1975/05-01/page-43|title=College Roundup|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Snyder|first=Bob|date=May 1, 1975|pages=43–44|access-date=July 23, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/oneonta/new-york-oneonta-daily-star/1975/05-01/page-18|title=Jene Grey Will Attend LeMoyne|newspaper=The Daily Star|location=Oneonta, New York|date=May 1, 1975|page=18|access-date=July 23, 2024}} The Dolphins started the season 0–4,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-american/1975/12-14/page-79|title=LeMoyne Rips Dragons by 50|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Kosciolek|first=Jim|date=December 14, 1975|pages=79–80|access-date=July 24, 2024}} and did not win a road game until February.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1976/02-13/page-26|title=Dolphins Win 1st on Road|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 13, 1976|page=25|access-date=July 24, 2024}} The Dolphins ended the season 12–12.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1976/03-05/page-24|title=Young Trio Brings Spirit to Dolphins|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Kosciolek|first=Jim|date=March 5, 1976|page=24|access-date=July 24, 2024}} John Lauer was named to the 1976 ECAC Division II all-conference team{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1976/03-20/page-15|title=Lauer Tabbed to Star Team|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 20, 1976|page=15|access-date=July 24, 2024}} and second-team Division II All-New York State.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1976/03-25/page-16|title=Lauer Gets NY Accolade|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 25, 1976|page=14|access-date=July 24, 2024}}

{{anchor|1976–77}}New rules for the 1976–77 season required conferences to have all their members be part of the same NCAA division, resulting in the MECAA being dissolved. Le Moyne began competing as an independent, ending their 21 seasons in the conference with seven MECAA championships. That season, the Dolphins went 4–0 against Division I opponents,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1977/01-13/page-16|title=Le Moyne Upsets Eagles|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Batzold|first=Tom|date=January 13, 1977|page=16|access-date=July 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-american/1977/01-23/page-65|title=Grey's Play Keys Surging LeMoyne|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Kosciolek|first=Jim|date=January 23, 1977|pages=63–64|access-date=July 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-american/1977/02-13/page-45|title=Grey's Foul Shots Clinch LeMoyne Win|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|department=section 5|date=February 13, 1977|page=47|access-date=July 29, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1977/02-17/page-39|title=Dolphins Shuffle Buffalo in OT|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Kosciolek|first=Jim|date=February 17, 1977|page=39|access-date=July 29, 2024}} and were 12–6 in mid February and on the short list of teams under consideration for an NCAA tournament berth.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1977/02-16/page-24|title=Dolphins Face Buffalo's Bulls|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Hurley|first=Dan|date=February 16, 1977|page=22|access-date=July 29, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1977/02-16/page-21|title=LeMoyne Hosts U. of Buffalo|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 16, 1977|page=21|access-date=July 29, 2024}} However, the Dolphins were 14–7 when NCAA tournament selectors made their final decision on February 27, and Dolphins were not selected to play in the 1977 NCAA tournament{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1977/02-28/page-47|title=Dolphins Uninvited|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Hurley|first=Dan|date=February 28, 1977|page=47|access-date=July 30, 2024}}

{{anchor|1977–78}}In the 1977–78 season, the Dolphins' record reached its peak at 12–9 following a season-high five-game winning streak, but they lost four of their final five contests to finish season 13–13.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19780303-01.1.8|title=Home Court Thrillers Round Out Even Season!!|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=II|issue=5|last=McCain|first=Lee|date=March 3, 1978|page=8|access-date=August 3, 2024}}

{{anchor|1978–79}}With the Dolphins' record at 10–7 on February 11, 1979, head coach Tom Cooney informed his players that he was resigning effective at the end of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1979/02-13/page-15|title=Cooney Resignation Due to Family Commitments|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Bellinger|first=Chuck|date=February 13, 1979|page=17|access-date=August 6, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19790216-01.1.8|title=Cooney Announces Resignation|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=III|issue=11|last=Germano|first=Kim|date=February 16, 1979|page=8|access-date=August 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19790216-01.1.2|title=Congratulations to Cooney for Six Memorable Years|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=III|issue=11|date=February 16, 1979|page=2|access-date=August 7, 2024}} During halftime of their final home game of the season, Le Moyne athletic director Tommy Niland announced that Mike Lee would take over as the Dolphins' head coach at the conclusion of the season.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19790302-01.1.7|title=Lee Named As New Varsity Coach|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=III|issue=16|last=Germano|first=Kim|date=March 2, 1979|page=7|access-date=August 7, 2024}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1979–1983)}}

Mike Lee, a former three-year starter and captain of the Syracuse Orangemen,{{cite web|access-date=August 9, 2024|title=#25 Mike Lee|url=http://www.orangehoops.org/mlee.htm |website=OrangeHoops}} led the Dolphins to their worst record in program history at 6–19 in 1979–80, his first season as head coach. Le Moyne followed up with an even worse record at 5–21 the following season.

Mike Lee's Dolphins improved in his third and fourth seasons, and he led Le Moyne to a winning record in his final campaign. Players recruited by Lee, including Wright Lassiter, Paul Galvin and Bobby Chestnut, would go on to play key roles on more successful Dolphin teams after Lee's departure.

Mike McDermott scored 24 points to become the 14th player in program history to score 1,000 points for his career in the Dolphins' 69–68 home loss against Bloomsburg State, ranked no. 11 in the Division II poll at the time,{{cite web|url=https://campus.mst.edu/athleticsarchives/hoops/d2basketball/ncaa2mbbpolls.pdf|title=History of NCAA Division II Basketball Rankings: 1961–2022|website=Missouri University of Science and Technology|date=2022|access-date=January 25, 2024}}{{rp|29}} on February 10, 1982.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1982/02-11/page-72|title=McDermott Reaches 1,000, But Dolphins Lose, 59–56|newspaper=Syracuse Post-Standard|last=Schoolnick|first=Larry|date=February 11, 1982|page=C-5|access-date=August 14, 2024}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1983–1988)}}

File:20080217 John Beilein.jpgThe Dolphins joined the Mideast Collegiate Conference (MECC){{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-american/1983/11-06/page-47|title=Dolphins One of Six Teams Forming Men's Hoop League|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Harty|first=Chuck|date=November 6, 1983|page=D-13|access-date=August 21, 2024}} in John Beilein's first season{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1983/04-05/page-25|title=John Beilein Named Coach at LeMoyne|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=April 5, 1983|pages=D-1–D-2|access-date=August 19, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1983/04-06/page-13|title=Beilein New Coach of Dolphs|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|department=section B|last=Levine|first=Barry|date=April 6, 1983|pages=B-1, B-8|access-date=August 19, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19830415-01.1.10|title=Niland's Nephew Replaces Coach Mike Lee|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=X|issue=9|date=April 15, 1983|page=10|access-date=August 19, 2024}} and went undefeated in league play to win the conference regular-season championship.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1984/02-26/page-29|title=Dolphins Unimpressive in Win over St. Michael's|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Bonnell|first=Rick|date=February 26, 1984|page=C-4|access-date=August 22, 2024}} However, Le Moyne lost their MECC tournament semifinal game{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1984/03-03/page-9|title=Adelphi '5' Upsets Flat LeMoyne, 58–57|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=March 3, 1984|page=B-1|access-date=August 22, 2024}} and were not selected for an at-large bid to the 1984 NCAA tournament. The 1983–84 season marked the first time in program history that the Dolphins won 20 games.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1984/03-05/page-69|title=There's Another J.B. Doing a Special Coaching Job in Syracuse; It's John Beilein at LeMoyne|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Bonnell|first=Rick|date=March 5, 1984|pages=C-1, C-4|access-date=August 22, 2024}}

Scott Hicks and Pete Jerebko, both of whom would become Le Moyne Hall of Famers, arrived as freshmen in 1984.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1984/03-27/page-64|title=LeMoyne Cagers Land Swingmen Hicks, Jerebko|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Bonnell|first=Rick|date=March 27, 1984|page=D-2|access-date=August 23, 2024}} Despite a solid 19-win campaign in 1984–85, the Dolphins failed to earn an at-large berth to the NCAA tournament. Wright Lassiter had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Dolphins and passed the 1,000 career points mark in Le Moyne's 78–75 double overtime loss to Philadelphia Textile on January 11, 1985.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1985/01-12/page-31|title=Mostak Helps Textile Weave a 2OT Win|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wallinger|first=Mark|date=January 12, 1985|pages=D-1, D-5|access-date=August 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1985/01-12/page-9|title=LeMoyne Loses in OT|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Harty|first=Chuck|date=January 5, 1985|page=B-1|access-date=August 25, 2024}} Bobby Chestnut scored 10 points to join Lassier in the 1,000-point club in the Dolphins' 74–62 loss at C.W. Post on January 27.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1985/01-28/page-26|title=LeMoyne Loses Again, 74–62|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=January 28, 1985|page=C-4|access-date=August 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1985/01-28/page-30|title=Dolphins Lose to C.W. Post|newspaper=Syracuse Post-Standard|date=January 28, 1985|page=C-7|access-date=August 25, 2024}} Lassiter and Chestnut were named second-team All-MECC for the 1984–85 season. Lassiter was the league's leading rebounder at 9.7 per game. Pete Jerebko was named the MECC's all-freshmen team. He was second in the conference in field-goal percentage at 61.9%, trailing teammate James Henderson, who hit at a 62.1% clip.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1985/03-17/page-54|title=Area Colleges|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Harty|first=Chuck|date=March 17, 1985|page=E-8|access-date=August 27, 2024}}

After a losing season marred by injuries, illness and suspensions, despite James Henderson reaching 1,000 career points{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19860227-01.1.8|title=Dolphins Trip Union in Season's 'Last Supper'|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLI|issue=4|last=Connolly|first=Kevin|date=February 27, 1986|page=8|access-date=August 28, 2024}} and Pete Jerebko and Walter Hill being named 1986 second-team MECC All-Stars,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1986/03-04/page-18|title=Jerebko, Hill Earn 2nd Team All-League|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 4, 1986|page=C-3|access-date=August 28, 2024}} Le Moyne bounced back with their second 20-win season in 1986–87.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1987/02-27/page-25|title=Le Moyne Ties Club Record, Advances in Tourney|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 27, 1987|page=C-1|access-date=September 7, 2024}} However, after falling in the MECC tournament,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1987/02-28/page-37|title=Le Moyne Loses Game, NCAA Tourney Shot|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 28, 1987|pages=D-1, D-3|access-date=September 7, 2024}} Le Moyne was not selected for an at-large bid to the 1987 NCAA tournament. Hill and Scott Hicks were named 1987 first-team all-MECC. James Henderson was named to the second team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1987/03-05/page-31|title=College Notebook|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Vecchio|first=Valerie|date=March 5, 1987|page=C-5|access-date=September 7, 2024}} Jerebko scored 14 points and became the 20th player in program history with 1,000 career points in the Dolphins' 97–82 loss at St. Michael's on February 7, 1987.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1987/02-08/page-51|title=Le Moyne Falters in League|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Hobson|first=Geoff|date=February 8, 1987|page=E-5|access-date=September 5, 2024}}

Len Rauch, who would go on to finish his college career as Le Moyne's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, arrived for his freshmen season in 1987.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1987/04-11/page-45|title=Rauch to Continue Career at Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kerr|first=Neil|date=April 11, 1987|page=D-5|access-date=September 17, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1987/04-11/page-45|title=Rauch, a Future Dolphin, Leads Area All-State Players|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kerr|first=Neil|date=April 25, 1987|page=D-4|access-date=September 17, 2024}} Scott Hicks, Pete Jerebko and Rauch led the Dolphins to the regular-season co-championship of the MECC,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1988/02-27/page-42|title=Comeback Lifts Le Moyne to School-Record Victory|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 27, 1988|page=D-4|access-date=October 8, 2024}} the conference tournament title{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1988/03-06/page-40|title=Le Moyne Tops Gannon in OT, Wins Mideast Title|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 6, 1988|page=C-4|access-date=October 9, 2024}} and a berth in the 1988 NCAA tournament.

After more than 11 years since the last meeting between the teams, the Dolphins renewed their rivalry with Division I Siena on December 5, 1987.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1987/12-05/page-49|title=Le Moyne, Siena Renew Basketball Rivalry|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 5, 1987|page=D-7|access-date=September 25, 2024}} The Indians raced to an early 12-point lead, but Le Moyne responded with a run to tie the game with a minute to play before the break. Siena scored six points in the final minute of the half to take a 45–39 lead at intermission. The Dolphins remained within striking distance and had a chance to tie the game in the final minute, but Pete Jerebko's three-point attempt was off the mark, and Le Moyne suffered a difficult road loss, 75–70. Freshman Len Rauch led the Dolphins with 25 points and 14 rebounds.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1987/12-06/page-41|title=Le Moyne Falls Just Short in Tight Game with Siena|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=December 6, 1987|page=D-4|access-date=September 25, 2024}} Scott Hicks scored 12 points for Le Moyne, surpassing 1,000 points for his career.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19871210-01.1.12|title=Tough Tourney Tests Dolphins|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XL|issue=20|date=December 10, 1987|page=12|access-date=September 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1987/12-11/page-33|title=Dolphins Stand Tall on Boards|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Vecchio|first=Valerie|date=December 11, 1987|pages=C-1, C-3|access-date=September 25, 2024}}

Following a 78–71 road win at Philadelphia Textile, which improved the Dolphins' record to 17–4 overall and 6–1 in MECC play,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1988/02-14/page-38|title=Edwards' Clutch Foul Shots Spur Le Moyne past Textile|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=February 14, 1988|page=D-4|access-date=October 8, 2024}} Le Moyne was ranked no. 16 in the NCAA Division II poll on February 15, 1988.{{rp|35}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1988/02-18/page-28|title=SU/LeMoyne Potpourri|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Bucci|first=Michael|date=February 18, 1988|page=C-3|access-date=October 8, 2024}} It was the Dolphins' first appearance in a major poll since finishing the 1964–65 season no. 14 in the United Press International (UPI) small college coaches' poll.{{rp|328}}

The Dolphins lost in the first round of the 1988 NCAA tournament to California (PA){{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1988/03-12/page-49|title=Le Moyne Out of NCAAs|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Vecchio|first=Valerie|date=March 12, 1988|pages=D-1, D-4|access-date=October 10, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1988/03-12/page-11|title=Le Moyne Falls from NCAAs|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=March 12, 1988|pages=B-1, B-3|access-date=October 10, 2024}} but rebounded to defeat Kutztown in the regional third-place game.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1988/03-13/page-37|title=Dolphins Beat Kutztown|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 13, 1988|page=D-7|access-date=October 10, 2024}}

The team's 24 wins in 1987–88 were the most in program history up to that point. John Beilein was named 1988 MECC coach of the year. Pete Jerebko was selected as MECC player of the year and senior of the year. Len Rauch was MECC freshman of the year. Scott Hicks joined Jerebko on all-MECC first team. Rauch was second-team all-MECC.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1988/03-01/page-27|title=Le Moyne Reaps Honors|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=March 1, 1988|page=C-1|access-date=October 8, 2024}} The 1987–88 Dolphins were inducted into the Le Moyne College Athletic Hall of Fame as a team in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/honors/hall-of-fame/1987-88-mens-basketball/136|title=1987–88 Men's Basketball|website=Le Moyne College Dolphins|access-date=January 5, 2024}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1988–1992)}}

After 18 straight losses versus Division I opponents, a streak that began in 1977, Le Moyne defeated Army, 77–70, on February 7, 1989, at West Point.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1989/02-08/page-48|title=Le Moyne Knocks of [sic] Army, 77–70|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 8, 1989|page=D-7|access-date=October 28, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/114726562|title=Cadets Drop Fourth Straight|newspaper=Poughkeepsie Journal|date=February 8, 1989|page=8B|access-date=October 28, 2024}} The win would be the final time Le Moyne defeated a Division I team as a Division II program.

The Dolphins lost their 1989 MECC quarterfinal game at Pace, losing 79–61 on March 4.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1989/03-05/page-58|title=Le Moyne Ends Season with 79–61 Loss to Pace|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 5, 1989|page=D-11|access-date=October 28, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19890309-01.1.12|title=Men End Season at Pace|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLII|issue=6|last=Bryant|first=Mark|date=March 9, 1989|page=12|access-date=October 28, 2024}} Player Len Rauch was named 1989 MECC sophomore of the year and named to the Division II All-East team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1989/11-16/page-106|title=Dolphins Basketball Begins This Weekend|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Ditota|first=Donna|date=November 16, 1989|page=D-3|access-date=November 1, 2024}}

The 1989–90 season was the last under the leadership of Tommy Niland, Le Moyne's athletic director since 1947, and the head basketball coach for the program's first 25 varsity seasons.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1989/09-21/page-23|title=Rockwell Throws Hat into Ring for Le Moyne AD Position|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Brieaddy|first=Frank|date=September 21, 1989|pages=C-1, C-9|access-date=November 1, 2024}} In January 1990, long-time Le Moyne baseball coach Dick Rockwell was chosen as Niland's successor.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19900201-01.1.1|title=Rockwell Named Athletic Director|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLIII|issue=2|last=Eppolito|first=Anthony|date=February 1, 1990|page=1|access-date=November 15, 2024}} That year, the Dolphins lost their MECC semifinal game at Gannon on March 9, 1990, 55–53.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1990/03-10/page-49|title=Gannon Slips by Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Ellison|first=Richard|date=March 10, 1990|page=E-7|access-date=November 16, 2024}} The Dolphins also lost the tournament third-place game and finished their season 17–12.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1990/03-11/page-51|title=Le Moyne Loses|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 11, 1990|page=E-8|access-date=November 16, 2024}} Len Rauch was named 1990 first-team All-MECC, and Tom Herhusky was named to the second team.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19900315-01.1.15|title=Dolphins Come Up Short in MEC [sic] Tournament|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLIII|issue=7|last=Panepento|first=Pete|date=March 15, 1990|page=15|access-date=November 16, 2024}}

Len Rauch became Le Moyne's all-time leading career scorer, and the Dolphins clinched the no. 3 seed in their conference tournament and home-court advantage for their MECC quarterfinal game with an 80–65 victory at Buffalo on March 2, 1991. Rauch finished with 25 points to bring his career total to 1,826.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1991/03-03/page-44|title=Le Moyne 80, Buffalo 65|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 3, 1991|page=E-5|access-date=December 22, 2024}} The Dolphins had an 86–58 victory over Mercyhurst in the MECC quarterfinals on March 5, 1991,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1991/03-06/page-95|title=Dolphins Rips Lakers to Advance|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=March 6, 1991|pages=D-1, D-5|access-date=December 22, 2024}} but lost to Pace, 87–68, in the MECC semifinals on March 8, 1991.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1991/03-09/page-33|title=Pace Trips Le Moyne in Mideast Semifinal|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 9, 1991|page=D-3|access-date=December 22, 2024}} The Dolphins completed their season the following day with an 86–84 overtime loss to Gannon in the tournament consolation game.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1991/03-10/page-56|title=Gannon 86, Le Moyne 84|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 10, 1991|page=E-8|access-date=December 22, 2024}} Len Rauch was named third-team Division II All-America,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1991/03-28/page-30|title=NABC Honors for Owens, Rauch|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 28, 1991|page=C-2|access-date=December 22, 2024}} the first player in program history to be named an All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1991/03-15/page-127|title=Rauch Named All-American|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=March 15, 1991|page=D-7|access-date=December 22, 2024}} All-East District II second team,{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19910228-01.1.11|title=LeMoyne Centers Receive National Attention|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLIV|issue=5|last=Panepento|first=Pete|date=February 28, 1991|page=11|access-date=December 22, 2024}} 1991 MECC player of the year, and first-team All-MECC.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1991/03-01/page-116|title=Mideast Conference All-Conference Teams|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 1, 1991|page=D-2|access-date=December 22, 2024}}

Following the dissolution of the MECC,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1991/10-16/page-36|title=Le Moyne Faces Loss of Rauch, Tough Schedule|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=October 16, 1991|page=D-3|access-date=December 27, 2024}} the Dolphins played the 1991–92 season as an independent and committed to join the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) in 1992.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1991/10-03/page-38|title=Le Moyne Joins New Conference|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=October 3, 1991|pages=D-1, D-8|access-date=December 27, 2024}}

On April 9, 1992, John Beilein stepped down as head coach of the Dolphins to take the same position at Canisius. In nine years at Le Moyne, Beilein finished 163–94. His .634 winning percentage was the best for any Dolphins head coach up to that point.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1992/04-10/page-29|title=Dolphins' Beilein to Coach Canisius|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=April 10, 1992|page=D-1|access-date=January 6, 2025}}

{{main|History of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball (1992–1997)}}

After playing the 1991–92 season as an independent, Le Moyne joined the NECC in 1992{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1992/12-31/page-34|title=Le Moyne Prepares for New Conference|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=December 31, 1992|page=D-2|access-date=January 12, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1993/01-05/page-16|title=Le Moyne in a League of Its Own|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 5, 1993|last=Albanese|first=Jeanne|page=B-4|access-date=January 12, 2025}} and hired Scott Hicks as their new head coach on May 22, 1992.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1992/05-22/page-112|title=Le Moyne Picks Hicks As Basketball Coach|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=May 22, 1992|page=D-6|access-date=January 7, 2025}}

Before the 1993–94 season, Le Moyne announced that six unnamed male athletes would be suspended from competition for gambling on major college sporting events. The NCAA approved Le Moyne's remediation plan and granted reinstatement to all six.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1993/11-18/page-57|title=Forget the Torpedoes and Pass the Maalox|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Poliquin|first=Bud|date=November 18, 1993|pages=D-1, D-5|access-date=January 14, 2025}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1993/11-19/page-31 |title=Le Moyne Lineup Gets an Overhaul |newspaper=The Post-Standard |location=Syracuse, New York |last=Kramer |first=Lindsay |date=November 19, 1993 |pages=C-1, C-4 |access-date=January 15, 2025}}{{cite news |url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19931210-01.1.1 |title=Student Gambling Reprimanded |newspaper=The Dolphin |publisher=Le Moyne College |volume=XLVII |issue=11 |last=Quirini |first=Paul |date=December 10, 1993 |page=1 |access-date=January 15, 2025}}

Three Dolphins players surpassed the 1,000 career points milestone in February 1994. Of those players, Dan Sandel was named 1994 first-team All-NECC and Mike Montesano was named to the second team.{{cite news |last=Rowe |first=Alicia |date=March 10, 1994 |title=Men's Hoop Concludes a Rollercoaster Season |url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19940310-01.1.8 |access-date=January 19, 2025 |newspaper=The Dolphin |publisher=Le Moyne College |page=8 |volume=XLVII |issue=18}} Joe Girard was named 1994 first-team District I Academic All-America in February{{cite news |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1994/02-16/page-34 |title=Basketball Players from Colgate, Le Moyne Earn Academic Honors |newspaper=The Post-Standard |location=Syracuse, New York |date=February 16, 1994 |page=D-2 |access-date=January 17, 2025}} and National Academic All-America in March 1994. The following year, Mike Montesano was named 1995 first-team All-NECC,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1995/03-04/page-32|title=Le Moyne Senior Montesano Named to All-NECC First Team|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 4, 1995|page=D-4|access-date=January 24, 2025}} second-team Division II All-District for the Northeast Region,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1995/03-08/page-36|title=After Six Years, Duquesne Fires Coach Carroll|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 8, 1995|page=D-4|access-date=January 24, 2025}} and second-team Division II All-American.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1995/04-05/page-26|title=Dolphins' Montesano Honored|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Thomas|first=Jacque|date=April 5, 1995|page=C-6|access-date=January 24, 2025}}

Le Moyne announced, in June 1995, that the school's athletic programs would move to the Northeast-10 Conference (NE10) starting with the 1996–97 academic year.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1995/06-02/page-117|title=Le Moyne Teams to Join Northeast-10 in '96–97|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Leo|first=Tom|date=June 2, 1995|page=D-1|access-date=January 28, 2025}}

In the 1995–96 season, the Dolphins won the NECC semifinal game against Albany (NY), 76–73,{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1097102244 |title=Dolphins Edge Close to NCAAs |newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal |last=Thomas |first=Jacque |date=February 28, 1996 |pages=C-1, C-5 |access-date=January 30, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1088674070|title=Dolphins Make Strong NCAA Case|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Vecchio|first=Valerie|date=February 28, 1996|page=D-4|access-date=January 30, 2025}} and defeated New Hampshire College, 81–68, in the NECC semifinals {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1087265613|title=Le Moyne Whips New Hampshire|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 2, 1996|page=E-3|access-date=January 30, 2025}} The Dolphins beat Southern Connecticut State in the NECC final on March 2, 1996, to win the conference title and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1096921269|title=Dolphins Win, Head to NCAAs|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 3, 1996|page=H-7|access-date=January 30, 2025}} The Dolphins were seeded no. 5 in the NCAA tournament's Northeast Region and matched with no. 4 seed Franklin Pierce, ranked no. 17 in the Division II poll, in a first-round game played in Loudonville, New York.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1096921505|title=No. 5 Seeded Dolphins to Take on Franklin Pierce|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=March 4, 1996|page=D-1|access-date=January 30, 2025}} Le Moyne suffered an 83–53 loss on March 8.{{rp|p=29}} Player Adam Stockwell was named 1996 first-team All-NECC,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1097099952|title=Dolphins' Stockwell Earns NECC Postseason Honor|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=February 25, 1996|page=F-1|access-date=January 30, 2025}} first-team District I Academic All-American, first-team All-ECAC Division II North and All-Northeast Region.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1088571433|title=Stockwell Scores Again|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 8, 1996|page=D-5|access-date=January 30, 2025}}

Le Moyne finished the 1996–97 regular season 10–16 overall and 7–11 in NE10 play, earning the no. 7 seed in the conference tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1092302172|title=Le Moyne 80, Bentley 64|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=February 23, 1997|page=D-8|access-date=February 16, 2025}} The Dolphins won their NE10 quarterfinal game at no. 2 seed Assumption on February 24, 1997.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1997/02-25/page-95 |title=Northeast-10 |newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal |date=February 25, 1997 |page=B-5 |access-date=February 16, 2025}} The Dolphins met no. 3 seed Saint Anselm in their NE10 semifinal game and won 77–76.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1997/02-28/page-89|title=Dolphins Keep on Cookin' Bigger Fish|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Bryant|first=Mile [sic] F.|date=February 28, 1997|page=D-5|access-date=February 16, 2025}}In the NE10 final on March 1, 1997, against no. 4 seed Bryant, the Dolphins had a 72–61 victory, earning a spot in the 1997 NCAA Division II tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1997/03-02/page-65|title=Le Moyne Heading to NCAAs|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Bryant|first=Milo F.|date=March 2, 1997|page=G-1–G-2|access-date=February 16, 2025}} In their second straight NCAA tournament appearance, they were given the no. 6 seed in the Northeast Regionals, and matched against no. 3 seed Saint Rose, ranked no. 11 in Division II,{{rp|44}} in the first round, but lost 92–76.{{rp|p=30}}

In May 1997, Scott Hicks resigned as the Dolphins' head coach to take the head coaching job at Albany State (NY), which was planning to transition to Division I. Hicks was 87–56 in his five years at Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1997/05-16/page-93|title=Le Moyne Coach Hicks Moves Up to Division I|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=May 16, 1997|page=D-1|access-date=February 17, 2025}}

{{anchor|1997–98}}File:Dave Paulsen GMU.jpgOn June 18, 1997, Le Moyne introduced Dave Paulsen as the Dolphins' new head coach, replacing the departed Scott Hicks. Paulsen, 32 years old at the time, had been the head coach at St. Lawrence the previous three seasons with a record of 50–28 and was named Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association coach of the year in each of the previous two campaigns. Assistant coaches Gallagher Driscoll and Sean McDonnell committed to remain on Paulsen's staff.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1997/06-19/page-36|title=SLU's Dave Paulsen Moves Up to Division II Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=June 19, 1997|last=Waters|first=Mike|pages=D-1, D-8|access-date=February 18, 2025}} Jim "Duke" McGrath, a Le Moyne alumnus from the class of 1962, joined the staff as a volunteer assistant coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1998/01-28/page-39|title=Le Moyne Hall of Fame Inducts 4 Next Week|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 28, 1998|last=Ellison|first=Richard|page=D-5|access-date=March 15, 2025}} McGrath played on the Dolphins' 1958–59 freshman team but never played on the varsity squad. He played varsity baseball at Le Moyne for two seasons and was the team's co-captain during his senior year. McGrath had a successful 23-year career as a high school basketball coach.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/honors/hall-of-fame/james-mcgrath/53|title=James McGrath|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|access-date=March 15, 2025}} Tobin Anderson was also added to the staff as an assistant coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1998/11-18/page-39|title=Pointed Questions: Another Moyer Takes the Point for Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=November 18, 1998|page=D-9|access-date=March 23, 2025}}

The Dolphins went on a foreign tour to London between August 9 and 19, 1997. Le Moyne played three teams from the British Basketball League, losing all three games, and earned a win against an amateur club team. Only returning players and not any newly recruited players were permitted by NCAA rules to make the trip.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19970911-01.1.11|title=Basketball Team Competes in England|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLVVI|issue=2|date=September 11, 1997|last=Szczesny|first=John|page=11|access-date=February 18, 2025}}

Redshirt senior Bryan Menar and seniors Keith Moyer and Mike Ondrejko, a walk-on, returned for the 1997–98 season. John Henches had a year of eligibility remaining due to a medical redshirt, but he graduated and left the program. Also returning were juniors John Tomsich and Kevin Moyer, a walk-on, and sophomores Rashaan Bute, Michael Culley, Brett Doody and Jesse Potter. New to the team were sophomore walk-ons Shannon Flood, a 6'1" guard and Terry Pudney and freshmen A.J. Warren, a 6'1" swingman, Jakub Hrabovský, a 6'6" forward from the Czech Republic, and guard Ronald Garura. Menar, Keith Moyer and Tomsich were named tri-captains. First-year head coach Dave Paulsen planned to change the team's defensive approach from primarily zone to man-to-man and install a motion offense instead of running set plays. The players were receptive to the changes. Menar, who was a member of the committee that selected the new head coach, praised Paulsen's confidence, noting that was an important trait in a leader.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1997/11-14/page-44|title=New Coach, New Style for Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=November 14, 1997|last=Michael|first=Matt|page=C-8|access-date=March 12, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19971113-01.1.12|title=Men's and Women's Hoops Open New Season|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLVVI|issue=10|date=November 13, 1997|page=12|last=Van Malderghem|first=Kerry|access-date=March 12, 2025}}

In an early-season battle of unbeatens, the Dolphins staged a furious rally to overcome an 18-point deficit with eight minutes to play at Assumption on November 29, 1997, and sent the game to overtime. Jesse Potter split a pair of free throws with seven seconds left to force the extra session. However, the Greyhounds dominated the overtime period and rescued a 105–92 victory. Freshman A.J. Warren keyed the comeback, scoring 12 of his career high 23 points during the final eight minutes of regulation, and added six steals. Keith Moyer scored 10 points and matched Le Moyne's program record with 13 assists. John Tomsich had 23 points, a career-high 16 rebounds and six blocked shots, becoming the Dolphins' all-time leader in career blocks with 158. Michael Culley scored 18 points, all of them coming on six triples. Potter finished with 10 points. Le Moyne fell to 4–1 overall and 1–1 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1997/11-30/page-34|title=Assumption 105, Le Moyne 92 OT|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=November 30, 1997|page=C-12|access-date=March 14, 2025}}

John Tomsich recorded his third straight 20-point double-double to lead the Dolphins to a 73–63 home victory over Saint Michael's, ranked no. 16 in the NCAA Division II Bulletin poll,{{rp|45}} on December 3. Tomsich had 16 points in the first half as Le Moyne built a 15-point lead at intermission. The Purple Knights made the game tighter in the second half, as the Dolphins struggled at the free-throw line, shooting 10 for 20, after they had been 8 for 12 in the first half. Tomsich finished with 20 points and 14 boards. Keith Moyer added 17 points and nine assists for Le Moyne, who improved to 5–2 overall and 2–2 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1087522059|title=Le Moyne 73, St. Michael's 63|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 4, 1997|page=D-7|access-date=March 14, 2025}}

John Tomsich scored 32 points in the Dolphins' 85–81 loss at Stonehill on January 5, 1998. Tomsich achieved his total despite fouling out of the game and committing six turnovers. Jesse Potter added four points, 13 rebounds, two steals and a block, and Keith Moyer had five points, eight assists and a block for Le Moyne, who fell to 8–3 overall and 4–3 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1998/01-06/page-31|title=Stonehill 85, Le Moyne 81|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 6, 1998|page=D-3|access-date=March 15, 2025}}

Following the Dolphins' January 10 home game against Quinnipiac, head coach Dave Paulsen commented, "I told the guys that it's the mark of a good team to get an ugly win, and for that I was proud of them." Keith and Kevin Moyer and Jesse Potter all played through the flu. The game featured 54 personal fouls, and John Tomsich was called for his fourth two minutes into the second half. Senior walk-on Mike Ondrejko came off the bench and kept the game close with Tomsich sitting out in foul trouble. He scored eight points and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, five of them off the offensive glass. When Tomsich returned to the floor with 5:57 to play, he was well rested and put his inside game on display. His basket with 1:56 remaining gave Le Moyne a 67–65 lead. After the Braves tied the score, Tomsich responded with another bucket to put the Dolphins ahead, 69–67, with 1:26 to go. A minute later, Tomsich sank a pair of free throws to ice a 71–67 victory for Le Moyne. Tomsich finished with 15 points, and Keith Moyer scored two points and dished nine assists for the Dolphins, who improved to 10–3 overall and 6–3 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/01-11/page-30|title=Tomsich Comes Through in the End|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Beaumont|first=Taney|date=January 11, 1998|page=C-8|access-date=March 15, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/177005246|title=Quinnipiac 34-33—67, Le Moyne 37-34—71|newspaper=Hartford Courant|date=January 11, 1998|page=B-6|access-date=March 15, 2025}}

After a win at Merrimack on January 18,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/442030240|title=LeMoyne 70, Merrimack 67|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=January 19, 1998|page=D-2|access-date=March 15, 2025}} the Dolphins completed the sweep of a rare back-to-back home-and-home set with a 62–61 victory three days later. The Warriors scored the first 10 points of the second half to open an 11-point lead, but Le Moyne responded with a 24–4 run and held a nine-point edge with six minutes to play. Merrimack used a 15–6 spurt to tie the score at 61 in the final minute. John Tomsich was fouled with three seconds to play. He missed the first free throw but made the second. Jesse Potter stole a Merrimack pass to secure the win for the Dolphins. Tomsich finished with a game-high 21 points, 10 of them during Le Moyne's second-half run. Potter had four points and 10 rebounds, and Keth Moyer scored seven points and dished eight assists for the Dolphins, who improved to 12–4 overall and 8–4 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/01-22/page-214|title=Dolphins Win It at Foul Line|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Beaumont|first=Taney|date=January 22, 1998|page=C-4|access-date=March 15, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/01-22/page-82|title=Le Moyne 62, Merrimack 61|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=January 22, 1998|page=C-2|access-date=March 15, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19980129-01.1.12|title=Men Take Three Straight Conference Games|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLVVI|issue=13|date=January 29, 1998|page=12|last=Van Malderghem|first=Kerry|access-date=March 15, 2025}}

The Dolphins avenged an early-season road loss with a convincing 91–79 home victory over first-place Assumption on January 24. After the Greyhounds took an early 10–3 lead, Le Moyne pushed ahead by the midpoint of the first half and built a nine-point lead by intermission. Assumption cut the lead to four points, holding the Dolphins without a field goal for the first 2:30 of the second stanza. Le Moyne responded with a 10–3 spurt, sparked by an A.J. Warren basket that broke the field-goal drought, and controlled the game the rest of the way. Warren had a career-high 28 points on 13-for-20 shooting from the floor. Walk-on junior guard Kevin Moyer came off the bench to score a career-high 17 points and was matched by John Tomsich, who had a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Keith Moyer added 12 points and six assists for the Dolphins, who improved to 13–4 overall and 9–4 in NE10 play, {{fraction|1|1|2}} games behind Assumption in the standings.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/01-25/page-33|title=Le Moyne Wins at Home|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Stella|first=Mike|date=January 25, 1998|page=D-8|access-date=March 15, 2025}}

John Tomsich and Keith Moyer each had a double-double in the Dolphins' 96–86 home win over Bentley on January 25. Tomsich finished with a career-high 31 points and 12 rebounds, and Moyer had 12 points and a program record-tying 14 assists. Le Moyne led by as many as 12 points in the second half, but the hot-shooting Falcons got within three points with 1:27 to play. A layup by Tomsich with 1:02 left put the game away. Michael Culley added 20 points for the Dolphins, who improved to 14–4 overall and 10–4 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/01-26/page-76|title=Le Moyne Tough to Beat on Home Floor|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Stella|first=Mike|date=January 26, 1998|page=C-10|access-date=March 15, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/01-26/page-110|title=Le Moyne 96, Bentley 86|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=January 26, 1998|page=C-10|access-date=March 15, 2025}}

John Tomsich was named NE10 player of the week for his performances in the three home games against Merrimack, Assumption and Bentley.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1998/01-28/page-39|title=Area College Hoops|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 28, 1998|page=D-5|access-date=March 15, 2025}}

John Tomsich scored the game's opening basket, surpassing 1,000 career points, in the Dolphins' January 28 home tilt against Hobart. Le Moyne led by as many as 30 points, and their starters played sparingly in the second half of a 78–60 Dolphins victory. Tomsich finished with 16 points, shooting 8 for 8 from the field, and grabbed eight rebounds in only 23 minutes. Michael Culley had 17 points, and Keith Moyer added two points and nine assists for Le Moyne, which won their fifth straight game.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/01-29/page-36|title=Dolphins Roll past Statesmen|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Beaumont|first=Taney|date=January 29, 1998|page=D-4|access-date=March 15, 2025}}

After trailing by five points at halftime at American International on February 1, the Dolphins battled back in the second half and had possession, facing a one-point deficit in the final seconds. Keith Moyer was fouled shooting a three-pointer and awarded three free throws with no time left on the clock. Moyer missed the first two tosses but made the third and sent the game to overtime. Le Moyne dominated the extra session and earned an 86–76 victory. John Tomsich led the Dolphins with 35 points and 18 rebounds before fouling out in overtime. Moyer finished with 14 points and four assists. Le Moyne improved to 16–5 overall and 11–5 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1998/02-02/page-27|title=Le Moyne 86, American International 76, OT|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 2, 1998|page=D-5|access-date=March 20, 2025}}

Stonehill, ranked no. 21 in the NCAA Division II Bulletin poll,{{rp|46}} visited the Dolphins on February 9, in a battle for first place in the NE10. Le Moyne's defense frustrated the Chieftains in the first half, and the Dolphins built a 38–30 lead at the break. Stonehill's shooting improved in the second half, and they ended up 37% from the floor for the game. The Chieftains tied the score at 60, but an A.J. Warren layup but Le Moyne back in front. After Stonehill got within a point at 66–65, the Dolphins responded with a 7–2 spurt that included a Warren basket inside, Keith Moyer finding John Tomsich for a layup and a Michael Culley three-pointer. Le Moyne controlled the rest of the game, securing an 84–73 victory and first place in the conference. Tomsich finished with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Moyer had five points and nine assists, and Culley added 15 points. The Dolphins improved to 18–5 overall and 13–5 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/02-10/page-33|title=Le Moyne Puts Out the Unwelcome Mat|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=February 10, 1998|pages=D-1, D-6|access-date=March 21, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19980212-01.1.8|title=Kings of the Hill|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|last=Van Malderghem|first=Kerry|volume=XLVVI|issue=15|date=February 12, 1998|page=8|access-date=March 21, 2025}}

Despite a 31-point, 12-rebound effort from John Tomsich, the Dolphins lost, 87–82, at NAIA Division I Roberts Wesleyan on February 11. The Raiders built their lead as large as 15 points in the first half. Le Moyne got back into the game and tied the score at 69 but could not push in front. Keith Moyer missed a three-pointer that would have tied the game with five seconds to play. Roberts Wesleyan then hit a pair fo free throws to seal their victory. The Raiders improved to 10–16 with the win, which likely damaged Le Moyne's chances for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1998/02-12/page-34|title=Roberts Wesleyan 87, Le Moyne 82|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 12, 1998|page=C-6|access-date=March 21, 2025}}

After taking a 29–27 lead at halftime of their February 14 game at Pace, the Dolphins collapsed in the second half, getting outscored, 69–34, and lost, 96–63. The Setters finished the game shooting 52% from the field. John Tomsich scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Le Moyne. Keith Moyer added 12 points and six assists. The loss dropped the Dolphins out of first place with an overall record of 18–7 and a league mark of 13–6.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/02-15/page-27|title=Dolphins Fall to Pace, Out of First Place|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 15, 1998|page=C-5|access-date=March 21, 2025}}

The Dolphins finished tied for second place in the NE10 and were the no. 3 seed in the 1998 NE10 tournament and hosted no. 6 seed Saint Michael's in a quarterfinal game on February 23. Le Moyne entered the game having lost two of their final three regular-season games, but the Dolphins were well rested, having not played since eight days earlier. Le Moyne's man-to-man defense held the Purple Knights to 38% shooting in the first half and triggered runs of 12–2 and 17–4, allowing the Dolphins to take a 50–33 lead at the intermisson. Saint Michael's improved their shooting in the second half and appeared on the verge of getting back into the game on several occasions. However, each time the Purple Knights got close, Keith and Kevin Moyer responded to quash the rally. After Saint Michael's cut the lead to 64–52, the Moyer brothers each hit a triple during a 6–2 spurt that pushed the lead back to 16 points. The Purple Knights went on a 10–2 run to get within 10 points at 76–66. The Moyer brothers responded by scoring the game's next four points on a drive to the basket by Kevin and a pair fo free throws by Keith. Saint Michael's made one final push and got within 10 points with three minutes to go. Keith Moyer sparked a 5–2 spurt with a pair of free throws and a three-point play that put the game out of reach. The Moyer brothers finished 17 for 17 from the free throw line, and Keith was 11 for 11. John Tomsich had a double-double for Le Moyne wth 29 points and 10 rebounds. Keith Moyer had a career-high 23 points and dished six assists, and Michael Culley added 20 points for the Dolphins. Walk-on Kevin Moyer finished with 16 points, playing 26 minutes off the bench. The win, Le Moyne's 20th of the season, improved the Dolphins' home record to 16–0 in 1997–98, and was their 17th straight victory at the Henninger Athletic Center dating back to the 1996–97 campaign.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/02-24/page-25|title=Brother Act a Dolphin Hit|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=February 24, 1998|pages=C-1, C-5|access-date=March 22, 2025}}

The Dolphins visited no. 2 seed Assumption for their NE10 semifinal game on February 25. Midway through the second half of a tight game, Mike Ondrejko's layup cut the Greyhounds' lead to 67–63. Assumption then embarked on a 17–4 run and controlled the rest of the game, earning a 102–84 win. Although the Dolphins held opponents to 40.2% field-goal shooting during the season, ranking among the leaders in Division II and the best in the NE10,{{cite web|title=NE10 Men's Basketball Record Book|publisher=Northeast-10 Conference|year=2024|url=https://northeast10.org/documents/2024/8/22/Men_s_Basketball_Record_Book_2023_24_8_22_24.pdf|access-date=March 22, 2025}} the Greyhounds shot 48% from the floor and 42% from beyond the arc. Junior tri-captain John Tomsich had his 12th double-double of the season with 20 points and 13 rebounds for Le Moyne. Senior tri-captain and point guard Keith Moyer finished with seven points and seven assists in his final collegiate game. Ondrejko, a walk-on senior, had four points. Moyer's brother Kevin, a walk-on junior, had 16 points. Redshirt senior tri-captain Bryan Menar scored two points. The Dolphins finished the season 20–8, reaching the 20-win plateau for the fifth time in the 50-year history of the program, all of which occurred during the most recent 15 seasons.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/02-26/page-234|title=Dolphins' Playoff Run Ends|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=February 26, 1998|pages=D-1, D-5|access-date=March 22, 2025}}

John Tomsich was named first-team All-NE10 and to the Division II All-Northeast Region team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/03-06/page-77|title=LeMoyne's Tomsich Named to All-Region Team|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=March 6, 1998|page=C-1|access-date=March 22, 2025}} Keith Moyer led the NE10 in assists per game with 7.7, which ranked him seventh in Division II.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19980430-01.1.11|title=Athletes of the Year Russell & Moyer Honored at Banquet|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LI|issue=20|last=McHugh|first=Barbara|date=April 30, 1998|access-date=March 22, 2025}}

{{anchor|1998–99}}Effective for the 1998–99 academic year, Le Moyne instituted a random drug testing program for all student-athletes. Le Moyne planned to apply for membership in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and transition to Division I,{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19971023-01.1.12|title=Le Moyne Moves Closer to MAAC|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLVVI|issue=7|date=October 23, 1997|last=Geglia|first=Christopher|page=12|access-date=February 19, 2025}} where drug testing was required.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19980917-01.1.12|title=Dolphin Athletes Eligible for Drug Testing|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LII|issue=2|date=September 17, 1998|last=Fillinger|first=Mike|page=12|access-date=March 23, 2025}} The baseball team had been competing in Division I since 1987,{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19870903-01.1.4|title=Baseball Goes Division I|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=XLI|issue=10|last=Connolly|first=Kevin|date=September 3, 1987|page=4|access-date=September 17, 2024}} and the women's lacrosse team moved to Division I in 1998.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19980917-01.1.12|title=Women's Lax Goes Division 1|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LII|issue=2|date=September 17, 1998|last=Michaud|first=Kevin|page=12|access-date=March 23, 2025}}

The Dolphins lost Keith Moyer, their starting point guard, Bryan Menar and Mike Ondrejko to graduation in 1998. John Tomsich and now former walk-on Kevin Moyer returned for their senior seasons along with juniors Michael Culley, Jesse Potter, Rashaan Bute and walk-on Shannon Flood and sophomore Jakub Hrabovský. Alex Harris, a 6'9" junior transfer forward from Division I American was new to the team. Harris was named to the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie team in 1997.{{cite book|url=https://caasports.com/documents/2023/4/6/recordbook23mbask.pdf|title=Coastal Athletic Association Men's Basketball Record Book|year=2023|publisher=Coastal Athletic Association|page=46|access-date=March 23, 2025}} Freshman Steve Vega, a 5'7" guard, was expected to get significant playing time backing up Kevin Moyer at the point. He averaged 33.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game at Avon High School in Ohio. Tom Patton, a 6'0" guard who averaged 18.5 points per game as a high school senior in Cleveland was also new to the team. Nick Redhead, a 5'11" walk-on freshman guard from Paul V. Moore High School, was a first-team all-league selection as a high school senior.{{cite web|url=https://stats.ncaa.org/team/350/stats/10162|title=LeMoyne–Owen Magicians [sic] 1998–99 Men's Basketball Team Statistics|website=NCAA Statistics|access-date=March 23, 2025}} After playing his freshman season at Le Moyne, A.J. Warren transferred to New Jersey Tech.{{cite web|url=https://stats.ncaa.org/team/471/stats/10162|title=NJIT Highlanders 1998–99 Men's Basketball Team Statistics|website=NCAA Statistics|access-date=March 23, 2025}} Tomsich and Moyer were named co-captains.{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19981119-01.1.12|title=Men's Basketball Shoots for Another 20 Win Season|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LII|issue=10|date=November 19, 1998|last=Van Malderghem|first=Kerry|page=12|access-date=March 23, 2025}}

The Dolphins led their November 19, 1998 season opener by two points after a sluggush first half, but their shooting heated up in the second stanza, and they earned a 65–54 home victory over Glenville State. John Tomsich scored 31 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked seven shots to lead Le Moyne. Tomsich played the entire 40 minutes and held Glenville State's Terry Clark, who entered the game averaging 32 points per contest, to 10 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Kevin Moyer had 12 points and five assists in his first game as the Dolphins' starting point guard. Steve Vega did not score but had five assists in his collegiate debut.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/11-20/page-147|title=Le Moyne Gets Big Effort from Center|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Ditota|first=Donna|date=November 20, 1998|page=C-4|access-date=March 23, 2025}}

The Dolphins' 18-game home winning streak was on the line, when they trailed East Stroudsburg, 69–62, wth 4:24 to play on November 21. Le Moyne responded with a 10–0 run over the next four minutes and led, 72–69, with 10 seconds left. The Dolphins elected to foul Ro Trachtman to prevent a three-point attempt, and he hit both free throws to cut the lead to one point. The Warriors immediately fouled John Tomsish, who split a pair of charity tosses to put Le Moyne ahead, 73–71. East Stroudsburg then ran a play for Trachtman, who was 11th in Division II in three-point percentage the previous season, and he hit a triple at the buzzer to give the Warriors a 74–73 victory, ending the Dolphins' home winning treak. Tomsich scored 27 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked two shots to lead Le Moyne, and Kevin Moyer added 12 points and five assists.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/11-22/page-31|title=Dolphins Beaten at Buzzer|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Rodenbush|first=Jim|date=November 22, 1998|page=C-5|access-date=March 23, 2025}}

John Tomsich was named NE10 player of the week for his performances against Glenville State and East Stroudsburg.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/11-24/page-37|title=Le Moyne Men|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=November 24, 1998|page=D-3|access-date=March 23, 2025}}

With John Tomsich sidelined with a sprained ankle he suffered in practice, Alex Harris scored 24 points and snatched nine rebounds to lead the Dolphins to a 73–55 home win over Bentley on December 5. Le Moyne held the Falcons to 32% shooting from the field and to their lowest scoring output in 12 years. Kevin Moyer scored 10 points and dished five assists, and Jesse Potter added nine points and five assists for the Dolphins, who improved to 3–2 overall and 1–1 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1998/12-06/page-34|title=Le Moyne Displays Its Reserve|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Rodenbush|first=Jim|date=December 6, 1998|page=C-8|access-date=March 23, 2025}}

Michael Culley scored 28 points, shooting 8 for 10 from three-point range, to lead the Dolphins to a 90–68 victory over Lincoln Memorial in the opener of the AmeriHost Tournament, hosted by Ashland University on December 29. The Dolphins held the Railsplitters to 23% shooting in the first half to take an 18-point lead at the break. All 11 players on Le Moyne's roster scored in the game. John Tomsich scored 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the floor and grabbed five rebounds. Kevin Moyer had four points and dished 11 assists. Freshman Tom Patton recorded four points and a team-high seven rebounds. The Dolphins had 34 assists on their 38 made field goals. Le Moyne improved to 6–3 on the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1998/12-30/page-36|title=Le Moyne Advances to Final|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 30, 1998|page=D-4|access-date=March 24, 2025}}

The following evening, Ashland raced to an early 12-point lead before a late first-half run by the Dolphins tied the score at intermission. The Eagles had the lead in the closing seconds, and a missed three-pointer by Michael Culley, whom Ashland held to just five points, ended the drama in a 60–56 win for the Eagles, giving the hosts the tournament title. John Tomsich scored 16 points for Le Moyne before fouling out with 3:45 to play. Kevin Moyer finished with 11 points and five assists, and Jesse Potter added 10 points and 13 rebounds. Culley and Tomsich were named to the all-tournament team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1998/12-31/page-34|title=Dolphins Lose in Title Game|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 31, 1998|page=C-6|access-date=March 24, 2025}}

Michael Culley scored 27 points to lead the Dolphins to a 91–62 victory over Queens (NY) in the opening game of the Doc Jacobs Classic, a showcase event hosted by Saint Michael's on January 2, 1999. Le Moyne dominated the first half, building a 27-point lead at the break. Ke,vin Moyer and Steve Vega each dished nine assists for Le Moyne. Moyer added eight points, and Vega scored three. John Tomsich recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds to post a double-double. Rahaan Bute came off the bench for Le Moyne to score nine points, grab eight rebounds and block three shots.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/01-03/page-39|title=Culley Leads Le Moyne in Blowout of Queens|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=January 3, 1999|page=C-14|access-date=March 24, 2025}}

The following day, Nick Redhead scored a game-high 19 points, 16 of them in the second half, to lead the Dolphins to a 93–43 victory over Southern Vermont at the Doc Jacobs Classic. Le Moyne held the Mountaineers to 24% chooting fro the floor in the first half and built a 21-point lead at intermission. The Dolphins shared the classic championship with Saint Michael's, which also went 2–0.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/202564982|title=St. Mike's Stops Queens|newspaper=The Burlington Free Press|last=Gardiner|first=Andy|date=January 4, 1999|page=7-B|access-date=March 24, 2025}} Redhead shot 5 for 6 from three-point range. Rashaan Bute scored five points and grabbed nine rebounds for Le Moyne. Steve Vega had a team-high five assists. John Tomsich and Michael Culley were named to the all-classic team. The Dolphins improved to 8–4 on the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/01-04/page-33|title=Dolphins Win Big on Road|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 4, 1999|page=D-8|access-date=March 24, 2025}}

With the team's best outside shooter and second-leading scorer, Michael Culley, sidelined by the flu, Kevin Moyer stepped up and hit a triple with seven seconds left in double overtime to lead the Dolphins to an 88–85 victory at Pace, ranked no. 1 in the Northeast Region, on January 6. Moyer finished with a career-high 23 points and dished 11 assists. His free throws with 29 seconds left in the first overtime extended the game. John Tomsich set new career highs with 36 points and 20 rebounds. Le Moyne improved to 9–4 overall and 4–1 in NE10 play with their third straight win.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1097230245|title=Le Moyne Men Knock Off Pace|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 7, 1999|page=C-4|access-date=March 25, 2025}}

The Dolphins played their second straight double overtime game on January 9, at Merrimack. Kevin Moyer set another career high with 31 points and dished nine assists. Moyer's three-pointer with 18 seconds to play in regulation forced overtime. Le Moyne had the lead late in the first overtime but conceded a basket in the closing seconds. The Warriors seized control of the game in the second extra session and earned a 110–102 victory. John Tomsich finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds for the Dolphins before fouling out. Michael Culley returned from his bout with the flu and scored 19 points, shooting 5 for 12 from three-point range.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/01-10/page-32|title=Merrimack Downs Le Moyne in 2 OTs|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=January 10, 1999|page=C-8|access-date=March 25, 2025}}

Kevin Moyer scored 29 points and dished nine assists, leading the Dolphins to an 85–83 upset victory at Saint Anselm, ranked no. 15 in the NCAA Division II Bulletin poll,{{rp|47}} on January 11. John Tomsich added 12 points and nine rebounds for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/01-12/page-29|title=Le Moyne 85, St. Anselm 83|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 12, 1999|page=C-5|access-date=March 26, 2025}} This was the final game of eight consecutive contests, five of them true road games, the Dolphins played away from home. Le Moyne went 34 days between home games and spent about 40 hours traveling 2,820 miles to play games in six different states. The Dolphins won five of the eight games on the road trip.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1999/01-15/page-94|title=There's No Place Like Home|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Poliquin|first=Bud|date=January 15, 1999|pages=C-1, C-6|access-date=March 26, 2025}}

For the second straight game, the Dolphins survived a flat and sloppy performance in a home tilt and were rescued by John Tomsich on January 18. Tomsich scored 39 points, the most by a Le Moyne player in 28 years, and grabbed 13 rebounds in a 73–63 victory over Bryant. Tomisch was 11 for 18 from the field. The rest of the team shot 10 for 29 (34%). Kevin Moyer shot 2 for 7 and finished with four points and nine assists. Michael Culley was 1 for 5 from the floor and 7 for 8 from the free-throw line, recording 10 points. The Dolphins reached a season-high 12 games above .500 at 12–5 overall and 7–2 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/01-19/page-31|title=Big Man, Big Game|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=January 19, 1999|page=D-5|access-date=March 26, 2025}}

After Saint Michael's lost at Pace on January 20, the Dolphins and Purple Knights were tied for first place in the NE10 with 7–2 league records.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/01-23/page-33|title=Le Moyne Men's Preview|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 23, 1999|page=D-5|access-date=March 27, 2025}} However, Le Moyne fell out of first place with a 67–62 upset loss on January 23, at American International, who had entered the game with a 1–8 record in NE10 play. John Tomsich scored 22 points and snatched 13 rebounds, and Kevin Moyer had four points and 10 assists for the Dolphins.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1999/01-24/page-218|title=American International 67, Le Moyne 62|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=January 24, 1999|page=C-8|access-date=March 27, 2025}}

John Tomisich was named NE10 and ECAC North player of the week for his performances against Bryant and American International.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/01-27/page-31|title=Le Moyne Men's Basketball|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 27, 1999|page=C-5|access-date=March 27, 2025}}

The Dolphins capitalized on their opportunity to regain a share of first place with a 75–73 home victory over Saint Michael's on January 27. A late first-half rally by the Purple Knights cut Le Moyne's 11-point lead to three points at the break, setting up a tight second half. After Saint Michael's moved in front, 48–47, with 12:24 to play, the Dolphins responded with a 16–7 spurt, getting scoring from Jakub Hrabovský, John Tomsich, Kevin Moyer and Jesse Potter, to claim an eight-point lead with 6:27 remaining. The Purple Knights relied on their pressure defense, which forced 19 Le Moyne turnovers, to make a final push and got within 72–71 with 16 seconds left. Moyer hit a pair of free throws to extend the lead to three points. The Dolphins defended the three-point line aggressively, forcing Saint Michael's to drive to the basket, making the score 74–73. Tomsich made one of two from the charity stripe with three seconds left and then stole a pass on the Purple Knights' final possession, sealing the Dolphins' win. Tomsich finished with 21 points and 18 rebounds. Jesse Potter played the entire 40 minutes and scored 12 points, but his defense on Todd Roberts was most notable. Roberts entered the game averaging 18.5 points per contest. Potter defended him the entire game and held him without a shot attempt in the first half. Roberts scored only four points, shooting 2 for 5 from the field. Moyer finished with 14 points and five assists, but he struggled at times against the full-court pressure defense. Freshmen Steve Vega, Tom Patton and Nick Redhead each performed well spelling Moyer at the point. Vega finished with four points, all of them scored late as Saint Michael's was making their final push. The win improved the Dolphins' overall record to 13–6 and put them into a first-place tie with Saint Michael's at 8–3 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1097644244|title=Le Moyne Moves into First-Place Tie|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Leo|first=Tom|date=January 28, 1999|pages=C-1, C-7|access-date=March 27, 2025}}

The Dolphins had a 65–59 lead with 5:20 to play in their February 1 game at Stonehill. However, the Chieftains closed the game on a 17–8 run and earned a 76–73 win, ending their six-game losing streak and handing Le Moyne their second straight loss, which knocked the Dolphins out of a first-place tie. John Tomsich scored 36 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished five assists for Le Moyne. Tomsich shot 14 for 20 from the field; the rest of the team shot 14 for 41 (34%). The Dolphins committed 17 turnovers in the game. Le Moyne fell to 13–8 overall and 8–5 in NE10 play, tied for third place in the league.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1999/02-02/page-59|title=Stonehill Rallies to Top Le Moyne|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 2, 1999|page=C-5|access-date=March 27, 2025}}

Playing at home in their regular-season finale, the Dolphins were locked into a tight game with Pace, the top ranked team in the Northeast Region, on February 19. After just over 13 minutes had elapsed in the game, starting forward Alex Harris suffered what appeared to be a serious injury to his left knee. Harris had logged eight minutes and already grabbed seven rebounds in the game. He was, however, having a bad shooting night, having missed all six of his shots from the floor. The loss of the inside presence and depth Harris provided was quickly evident. The Setters' late first-half spurt gave them a five-point lead at the break. Less than four minutes into the second half, Pace had expanded their lead to 15 points. Le Moyne never got closer than eight points down the rest of the way, and the Setters earned an 85–72 victory. This was the final home game in the collegiate careers of senior co-captains John Tomsich and Kevin Moyer. Tomsich scored 23 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished three assists. He became the third player in program history to surpass 1,000 career rebounds. Moyer notched 13 points before fouling out. He was bothered by Pace's full-court press, committing eight of the Dolphins' 21 turnovers, which led to 28 points for the Setters. The loss was the seventh straight for Le Moyne, dropping them to 8–10 in NE10 play, tied for sixth place in the league. Just 21 days earlier, they took the court tied for first place. The Dolphins won the tiebreaker for the no. 6 seed in the conference tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/02-20/page-54|title=Le Moyne's Season Crashes|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Starosielec|first=Mark|date=February 20, 1999|page=F-4|access-date=March 28, 2025}}

The Dolphins' epic collapse concluded with their eighth straight loss despite a valiant effort in the NE10 quarterfinals at no. 3 seed Saint Michael's on February 22. Despite John Tomsich being slowed by flu-like symptoms, Le Moyne managed a 10-point lead with 9:48 to play. The Purple Knights went on a run and flipped the game, moving ahead, 60–55, in the final minutes. Tom Patton responded for Le Moyne with two straight baskets, and the Dolphins trailed, 60–59, with 44 seconds to play. Le Moyne got a stop on the defensive end, and Kevin Moyer put up a running bank shot with three seconds to play that bounced off the rim. Saint Michael's controlled the rebound and hit one of two free throws. The Purple Knights then stole Le Moyne's length-of-the-court pass, securing a 61–59 victory. Saint Michael's leading scorer Todd Roberts was held scoreless by the fierce guarding of Jesse Potter and Jakub Hrabovský. He shot 0 of 6 from the floor and 0 for 3 from the free-throw line. Patton scored 13 points to lead the Dolphins. Tomsich was limited to six points on 2-for-10 shooting from the floor, eight rebounds and four assists in his final collegiate game. He finished his career with 1,760 points, third in program history, and 1,015 rebounds, also third all-time. Moyer ended his career with eight points, four assists and four steals in his final game. Potter had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Dolphins finished their season 13–14 overall.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1999/02-23/page-20|title=Le Moyne's Season Wraps Up with Eighth Consecutive Loss|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 23, 1999|page=B-4|access-date=March 28, 2025}} The season-ending losing streak was the longest for Le Moyne since dropping 13 straight during the 1980–81 season.

John Tomisch was named NE10 defensive player of the year and first-team All-NE10.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19990304-01.1.12|title=Winter Sports Wrap-Up|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LII|issue=16|date=March 4, 1999|last=Fillinger|first=Mike|page=12|access-date=March 28, 2025}} Tomsich also repeated as first-team Division II All-Northeast Region{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1999/03-04/page-125|title=Le Moyne's Tomsich Earns First-Team Honors|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=March 4, 1999|page=D-1|access-date=March 28, 2025}} and was named a second-team Division II All-American.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/03-18/page-45|title=Tomsich Named Second-Team All-America|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 18, 1999|page=D-1|access-date=March 28, 2025}} Tomisch ranked seventh in Division II in blocked shots with 264. Kevin Moyer's 179 assists were the fifth best single-season total in program history.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/02-27/page-52|title=Le Moyne Collapsed under Pressure|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Leo|first=Tom|date=February 27, 1999|page=F-4|access-date=March 28, 2025}}

{{anchor|1999–2000}}The Dolphins lost co-captains John Tomsich and Kevin Moyer to graduation in 1999. All nine of the other players on the previous season's roster returned, including seniors Michael Culley, Jesse Potter, Rashaan Bute and walk-on Shannon Flood, junior Jakub Hrabovský, and sophomores Tom Patton, Steve Vega and walk-on Nick Redhead. Dwayne Pean, a 6'0" guard from Goldsboro, North Carolina was the first recruit to sign a letter of intent for the 1999–2000 season. Other new freshmen included Kyle Chapman, a 6'5" guard who was from Willingboro, New Jersey and played at Wardlaw-Hartridge, Myles Howard, a 6'6" forward from Nottingham High School, Jamar Hubbard, a 6'5" shooting guard from Penn Hills in Pittsburgh and Chip James, a 6'3" guard from Springboro, Ohio.{{cite web|url=https://stats.ncaa.org/team/349/stats/10164|title=LeMoyne Dolphins 1999–00 Men's Basketball Team Statistics|website=NCAA Statistics|access-date=March 29, 2025}} Brett Barnard, a 6'8" forward from Frankfort, New York, arrived on campus but redshirted his freshman year.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1098430358|title=Dolphins to Rely on Freshmen|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=November 19, 1999|page=C-6|access-date=March 29, 2025}} Culley, Potter and Flood were named tri-captains.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19991111-01.1.7|title=Le Moyne Men's Basketball 1999–2000|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LIII|issue=9|date=November 11, 1999|last=Parody|first=Kristen|page=7|access-date=March 29, 2025}} Dolphins assistant coach Tobin Anderson left the staff to become the head coach at Clarkson.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/348006912|title=Transactions|newspaper=The Post-Star|location=Glens Falls, New York|date=July 29, 1999|page=C-4|access-date=March 29, 2025}} Jonathan Tsipis joined the staff as an assistant coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/09-04/page-58|title=Colleges: Le Moyne Hires Men's Basketball Assistant|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=September 4, 1999|page=F-10|access-date=March 29, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19991111-01.1.7|title=Jonathan Tsipis|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LIII|issue=9|date=November 11, 1999|page=7|access-date=March 29, 2025}}

In October 1999, the Dolphins began participating in the Dream to Read program. Players visited classrooms of local elementary schools, engaged with the students, encouraging them to read, and read a book aloud to them. The effort was organized by Le Moyne's new assistant coach, Jonathan Tsipis.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19991021-01.1.16|title=Basketball Players Help Kids 'Dream to Read'|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LIII|issue=6|date=October 21, 1999|last=Evans|first=Kristin|page=16|access-date=March 29, 2025}}

The Dolphins launched their season with a 74–69 win over host Westminster (PA) in the opening round of the Buzz Ridl Classic on November 19, 1999. Jesse Potter had a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead Le Moyne. Potter's consecutive baskets broke a tie in the final six minutes, giving the Dolphins a lead they would not relinquish. Steve Vega scored eight points and dished four assists for Le Moyne. He sank three of four free throws in the final 15 seconds to put the game out of reach. Freshman Myles Howard had 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in his collegiate debut.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/11-20/page-34|title=Le Moyne 74, Westminster 69|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=November 20, 1999|page=D-4|access-date=March 29, 2025}}

The following evening, the Dolphins upset California (PA), ranked no. 11 in the NCAA Division II Bulletin preseason poll,{{rp|119}} 75–65 in overtime, to win the Buzz Ridl Classic. The Vulcans expanded their 12-point halftime lead to 17, before Le Moyne stormed back. Freshman Dwayne Pean converted a three-point play with 32 seconds to play that knotted the score and forced the extra session. The Dolphins dominated play after regulation, outscoring California, 14–4, getting seven of their 14 points from freshman Kyle Chapman. Myles Howard led Le Moyne with a game-high 24 points and was named the tournament's most valuable player. Pean finished with 10 points and four assists, and Chapman had nine points.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1999/11-21/page-40|title=Dolphins Upset No. 11|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=November 21, 1999|page=C-15|access-date=March 29, 2025}}

Myles Howard was named NE10 newcomer of the week for each of the season's first three weeks.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19991209-01.1.12|title=Basketball Stumbles after Strong Start|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LIII|issue=11|date=December 9, 1999|last=Evans|first=Kristin|page=12|access-date=March 31, 2025}}

After three straight road losses, the Dolphins returned home to host Mansfield, ranked no. 1 in the East Region of Division II, on December 20. Le Moyne trailed, 24–23, when they got a spark from Michael Culley, who was playing through a hairline fracture in his foot and a degenerative disc in his back. Culley hit a three-pointer to put the Dolphins in front, grabbed the defensive rebound on the other end of the floor and sank another triple to give Le Moyne a five-point lead. The Dolphins held the Mountaineers to 10 points over the final 10 minutes of the half and closed the stanza on a 9–2 run. Kyle Chapman powered the late burst with a three-pointer, immediately followed by a steal and a transition layup. Le Moyne was on top, 47–34, at the break. The Dolphins' lead grew as large as 20 points in the second half, and Mansfield got no closer than seven points down, falling 94–83. Le Moyne was 10 for 10 from the free-throw line in the closing minutes. Jesse Potter hit six of them, and Dwayne Pean drained the other four. Chapman and Tom Patton shared the duty of guarding Tom Harvey, who was averaging more than 20 points per game. They limited Harvey to just seven points and no field goals. Potter had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Chapman scored a game- and career-high 26 points. Jakub Hrabovský shot 7 for 7 from the floor, finishing with 16 points, also a career high. Pean, the third Dolphin to register a new career high, had 13 points, and Patton scored seven markers. Le Moyne improved to 4–4 on the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1100462628|title=Dolphins Freshman Scores 26 in Upset|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=December 21, 1999|pages=C-1, C-4|access-date=March 29, 2025}} Chapman earned NE10 co-player of the week honors for the performance.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1099063206|title=Dolphins' Victory Sparked by Bench|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Himmelsbach|first=Adam|date=December 30, 1999|page=D-4|access-date=March 29, 2025}}

Le Moyne hosted a multi-team event for the first time in six years on December 29 and 30. The event was an unbracketed showcase promoted as the inaugural Holiday Inn Invitational.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1999/12-29/page-109|title=Le Moyne Men Face Southampton at Invite|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=December 29, 1999|page=D-1|access-date=March 29, 2025}} During warmups of the Dolphins' showcase against Southampton, ranked no. 4 in the Northeast Region of Division II, the Colonials gathered at the center-court logo, and their center, Mark Person, shouted, "This is our house!" as his teammates jumped up and down, clapping their hands. The Dolphins sat quietly on their bench and watched. The game was tight, until Michael Culley came off the bench and drained three triples in just over two minutes, putting Le Moyne ahead, 27–19. The Dolphins' full-court press led to eight first-half steals, and Le Moyne's lead swelled to 17 points. After a Southampton run cut their deficit to nine points, Kyle Chapman blocked a shot, picked up the loose ball and navigated his way through Colonial defenders for a transition layup, then converting a three-point play. The Dolphins led, 55–42, at intermission. Southampton got no closer than six points down in the second half, and a quick six-point scoring spurt by Chapman in the closing minutes put away a 101–87 win for Le Moyne. Six Dolphins scored in double figures, led by Chapman with 19 points, Tom Patton with 17, Culley with 14, Jakub Hrabovský with 12 and Alex Harris with 11 markers.

The following evening, Jakub Hrabovský scored 22 points to lead the Dolphins to a 96–91 victory over Roberts Wesleyan and a share of the invitational championship. Saint Michael's also went 2–0 in the event. Hrabovský was named the invitational's most valuable player. Alex Harris, who tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in the 1999 NE10 quarterfinals, had an ecouraging performance with a season-high 19 points and seven rebounds, while battling the Raiders' collection of strong frontcourt players. Steve Vega had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists for Le Moyne, and Kyle Chapman added 15 points. The Dolphins improved to 6–4 with their third straight win.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1999/12-31/page-37|title=Kid Dolphins Shine|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=December 31, 1999|page=D-7|access-date=March 30, 2025}}

Michael Culley surpassed 1,000 career points in the Dolphins' 74–66 loss in their NE10 home opener against Pace on January 6, 2000. Le Moyne fell behind by 12 points but rallied late in the first half and trailed by seven at the break. The Dolphins got within two points in the second half, but the Setters responded with five points in under a minute and controlled the game the rest of the way. Although Le Moyne successfully slowed Pace's high-octane offense, which was averaging nearly 100 points per game,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2000/01-06/page-75|title=High-Scoring Pace Visits Le Moyne Tonight|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=January 6, 2000|page=D-1|access-date=March 30, 2025}} the Dolphins shot only 43% from the floor. Le Moyne's frustration was evident, when Kyle Chapman threw an errant inbounds pass that was caught by Dolphins head coach Dave Paulsen, who hurled it toward the gym exit. The ball was retrieved by Dolphins sports information director Mike Donlin, who returned it to the court. Myles Howard and Steve Vega each scored 14 points to lead Le Moyne, who fell to 6–5 overall and 0–4 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/01-07/page-33|title=Dolphins Slow Pace but Can't Get Past|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=January 7, 2000|pages=D-1, D-7|access-date=March 30, 2025}}

Two days after setting a new mark for most points allowed in a home game in a 105–77 loss to Merrimack, the Dolphins surrendered even more points and suffered the worst home loss in program history, 108–66, to Saint Anselm on January 10. The Hawks built a 54–27 halftime lead on the strength of 55% shooting from the floor, 50% accuracy from three-point range and a 24–15 rebounding advantage in the first half. Nick Redhead scored 13 points off the bench to lead Le Moyne, and Jesse Potter added 12 points and six rebounds. The loss was the 13th straight in conference regular-season play and third straight overall for the Dolphins, who fell to 6–7 overall and 0–6 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/01-11/page-25|title=Dolphins Sink to New Low|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Rahme|first=Dave|date=January 11, 2000|pages=C-1, C-6|access-date=March 30, 2025}}

Jesse Potter was named to the NE10 weekly honor roll for his performances in Le Moyne's losses at Stonehill and Bryant on January 15 and 17. Potter averaged 18 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the two contests and had a career-high 24 points against Stonehill.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/01-22/page-34|title=Le Moyne's Jesse Potter Obtains Career High|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 22, 2000|page=D-4|access-date=March 30, 2025}}

The Dolphins ended losing streaks of five games overall, 15 straight in conference regular-season play and 16 in a row against NE10 foes with a 74–71 home win on January 22, against American International, the team with the best overall record in the league. Le Moyne's most recent win against an NE10 opponent had been at home against Saint Michael's on January 27, 1999, a victory that put the Dolphins into a first-place tie in the league. Le Moyne had a 10-point lead with 1:34 to play, but the Yellow Jackets created late drama, hitting a flurry of three-pointers to cut the deficit to two points with 29 seconds left. Steve Vega was fouled two seconds later and hit both free throws. After an American International empty possession, the Dolphins hit another free throw to extend the lead to five points. The Yellow Jackets scored from the lane with 12 seconds left and fouled freshman Chip James, who missed both free throws. However, James stole the ball, preventing American International from getting off a shot. Jesse Potter led Le Moyne with 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Vega finished with 16 points. The Dolphins improved to 7–9 overall and 1–8 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1097957717|title=Dolphins Defeat American International for First League Win|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Jiloty|first=John|date=January 23, 2000|page=C-6|access-date=March 30, 2025}}

The Dolphins were officially eliminated from contention for a berth in the NE10 tournament after an 82–67 loss at Merrimack on February 7. Kyle Chapman scored 21 points for Le Moyne, who fell to 8–14 overall and 1–13 in NE10 play. The loss was the 10th in 12 games and fifth straight in conference play for the Dolphins.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/02-08/page-29|title=Merrimack 82, Le Moyne 67|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 8, 2000|page=C-5|access-date=March 31, 2025}}

The Dolphins lost their season finale, 90–82, at home to Saint Michael's on February 23. Michael Culley had a team-high 17 points in his final collegiate game. He finished as Le Moyne's all-time leader in career three-point field goals with 305.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp20000302-01.1.12|title=Basketball Hangs 'Em Up|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LIII|issue=16|date=March 2, 2000|last=Johnson|first=Seth|page=12|access-date=March 31, 2025}} Fellow senior tri-captain Jesse Potter closed his career with 16 points. Walk-on senior tri-captain Shannon Flood attempted only one shot and did not score. Le Moyne's two other seniors, Alex Harris and Rashaan Bute, had eight and four points, respectively. Despite the setback, the Dolphins shot 65% (13 for 20) from three-point range. The loss was the third straight for the Dolphins and their 13th in 16 games, leaving them 9–17 overall and 2–16 in NE10 play, last in the conference standings.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1086327445|title=St. Michael's 91, Le Moyne 82|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 24, 2000|page=D-5|access-date=March 31, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1086327369|title=St. Michael's 91, Le Moyne 82|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 24, 2000|page=D-2|access-date=March 31, 2025}}

On July 4, 2000, Dolphins head coach Dave Paulsen resigned to take the head coaching position at his alma mater, Division III Williams. Athletic director Dick Rockwell said he hoped to have a new head coach in place by mid-August. Paulsen was 42–39 in his three seasons at Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/massachusetts/north-adams/north-adams-transcript/2000/07-05/page-9|title=Ephs Get Their Man—Paulsen|newspaper=North Adams Transcript|last=Dufour|first=Kris|date=July 5, 2000|pages=B-1, B-4|access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/07-06/page-25|title=Hoops Coach to Leave Dolphins|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Waters|first=Mike|date=July 6, 2000|pages=D-1, D-9|access-date=March 31, 2025}} He had recently signed a three-year contract extension.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2000/07-07/page-95|title=Dolphins Just Part of Feeding Frenzy|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Poliquin|first=Bud|date=July 7, 2000|pages=C-1, C-7|access-date=April 1, 2025}}

{{anchor|2000–01}}Le Moyne introduced Steve Evans as their new men's basketball head coach on August 4, 2000, replacing the departed Dave Paulsen. Evans had previously served as a Dolphins assistant under Scott Hicks from 1994 to 1996. He left Le Moyne for an assistant coach position at Division I Siena. After three years, he moved on to Northwestern, where he worked as an assistant during the 1999–2000 season. While working as a part-time assistant at Le Moyne, Evans was elected as the youngest city council member in the history of the city of Rome, New York. Evans, 29 years old at the time of his hiring, was a four-year starter and senior-year captain at Union (NY) and graduated from the school in 1994.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1097528503|title=Familiar Face Fills Void|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=August 4, 2000|pages=D-1, D-10|access-date=March 31, 2025}}

There were about 60 applicants for the vacant head coaching position. Once the search committee narrowed the field to five candidates, they were all interviewed at Le Moyne on August 1. Aside from Steve Evans, the four other finalists were Le Moyne assistant Sean McDonnell, Kevin Broderick, who was the head coach at Oswego State and endorsed by former Dolphins head coach John Beilein, Tom Spanbauer, head coach at Cortland State, and Walt Townes, an assistant at Rutgers.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2000/08-01/page-65|title=Le Moyne Search Boils Down to Five|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=August 1, 2000|page=D-3|access-date=April 1, 2025}}

The Dolphins lost five seniors to graduation in 2000. Juniors Steve Vega and Tom Patton, sophomores Kyle Chapman and Jamar Hubbard and redshirt freshman Brett Barnard all returned for the 2000–01 season. Five players decided to leave the team at the end of the previous season. Jakub Hrabovský returned to his native Czech Republic for an educational opportunity, leaving Le Moyne with no seniors. Dwayne Pean and Chip James left to be closer to their homes. Myles Howard withdrew from Le Moyne with plans to pursue a football career. Nick Redhead transferred to Clarkson.{{cite web|url=https://clarksonathletics.com/documents/2025/3/3/Mens_Basketball_All_Time_Roster.pdf|title=Clarkson University Men's Basketball All-Time Roster|website=Clarkson University Athletics|date=March 3, 2025|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Former head coach Dave Paulsen knew early on that the Dolphins would need a large recruiting class. Rob Thorpe, a 5'11" point guard from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill, made a verbal commitment to play at Le Moyne in September 1999.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1098220209|title=Thorpe Give Oral Commitment to Le Moyne|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Piraino|first=M.F.|date=October 3, 1999|page=C-16|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Brendan Bayly, a 6'10" center from Averill Park, and Al Drechsler, a 6'7" small forward from Greece Athena, also committed during the fall of 1999. Chris Henry, a 6'4" forward from Fayetteville–Manlius, signed in May 2000. Henry averaged 18 points and eight rebounds as a high school senior and was third-team All-Central New York.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1087949474|title=Hornet Plans to Play Basketball at Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=May 4, 2000|page=C-1|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Jason Coleman, a 6'1" point guard from Bishop Maginn High School, who was first-team All-Greater Albany, signed in the spring along with Jamie McArdle, a 6'6" small forward, who was third-team All-Greater Rochester.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/05-17/page-51|title=Le Moyne Snags I-90 Hoops Stars|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=May 17, 2000|pages=D-1, D-3|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Rashad Richards, a 6'4" forward from Corcoran, who was first-team All-Central New York, averaging 19.2 points, 15 rebounds and two assists per game as a high school senior, signed with the Dolphins in May,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1088835844|title=Corcoran Hoop Star Chooses Le Moyne|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=May 14, 2000|page=C-1|access-date=April 1, 2025}} but redshirted his freshman year. Brian Robertson, a 6'4" shooting guard, was the final freshman to sign.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2000/11-16/page-55|title=Dolphins Face Growing Pains|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=November 16, 2000|pages=D-1, D-3|access-date=April 2, 2025}} Le Moyne was the youngest team in the NCAA during the 2000–01 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp20011206-01.1.16|title=2001 Wrap-Up of Dolphin Sports|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LV|issue=13|last=Johnson|first=Seth|date=December 6, 2001|page=16|access-date=April 5, 2025}} Chris Jacobs, formerly an administrative assistant at Northwestern,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2000/09-13/page-31|title=New Le Moyne Coach Adds Jacobs to Staff|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=September 13, 2000|page=C-1|access-date=April 1, 2025}} and Jeff "Spud" Collins, formerly an assistant at Archbishop Alter High School, in Kettering, Ohio, joined the staff as assistant coaches.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2000/09-15/page-187|title=New Le Moyne Coach Names Second Assistant|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=September 15, 2000|page=C-1|access-date=April 1, 2025}}

Head coach Steve Evans planned to play a pressing, up-tempo style and use a deep rotation with every player on the roster getting significant playing time. Evans expected that good conditioning and keeping players fresh would give the Dolphins an advantage in the closing minutes of games. Le Moyne, with a roster comprising eight freshmen (one who redshirted the previous season), two sophomores and two juniors, was picked to finish last in a preseason poll of the league's coaches.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp20001116-01.1.12|title=Men's Basketball Ready for Season|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LIV|issue=6|last=Johnson|first=Seth|date=November 16, 2000|page=12|access-date=April 2, 2025}}

The Dolphins opened their season with a 91–70 loss to Binghamton, in the opener of the Susse Chalet Bryant Basketball Classic on November 18. Le Moyne trailed by only five points at the break but surrendered a 14–4 run midway through the second half. The Dolphins were outrebounded, 43–20. Kyle Champman and Brett Barnard each scored 12 points to lead Le Moyne. Steve Vega added six points and three assists for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/11-19/page-37|title=Le Moyne Dolphins Fall to the Bearcats|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=November 19, 2000|page=C-11|access-date=April 2, 2025}}

The following day, the Dolphins earned the first career win for head coach Steve Evans with a 93–83 victory over Puerto Rico–Río Piedras in the consolation game of the Bryant tournament. Kyle Chapman scored 24 points to lead Le Moyne. The Dolphins improved their rebounding and had a 45–40 advantage on the boards. Jamie McArdle and Brendan Bayly each grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, and McArdle added 14 points. Steve Vega had 10 points and five assists.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1088636462|title=Le Moyne 93, Puerto Rico–Río Piedras 83|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=November 20, 2000|page=D-6|access-date=April 2, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1088635411|title=Le Moyne 93, Puerto Rico 83|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=November 20, 2000|page=D-2|access-date=April 2, 2025}}

The Dolphins suffered a 51-point defeat, the worst in program history, at Saint Anselm, 117–66, on November 26, 2000. The 117 points Le Moyne allowed was the most in program history. The Dolphins were held to 29% shooting from the field and were led by Tom Patton and Jamie McArdle, who scored 12 points each.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2000/11-27/page-31|title=Saint Anselm 117, Le Moyne 66|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=November 27, 2000|page=D-6|access-date=April 2, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp20001207-01.1.16|title=Dolphin Basketball Has Tough Start|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LIV|issue=6 [sic]|last=Johnson|first=Seth|date=December 7, 2000|page=16|access-date=April 2, 2025}}

The Dolphins played their home opener on November 29, at the Onondaga County War Memorial, their first home game there since the 1978–79 season, as part of the festivities for the Tribute to Danny Biasone, the leading advocate for the shot clock, which the NBA ultimately adopted, while Biasone was the owner of the Syracuse Nationals. The event was organized by former Nationals star Dolph Schayes and attended by several of his former teammates, including Earl Lloyd, the first African American to play in the NBA. Biasone and Tommy Niland, longtime Dolphins head coach, were good friends, and Biasone willed to Le Moyne the actual shot clock he used for a 1954 demonstration for NBA officials. Le Moyne kept the shot clock and other Biasone memorabilia on display in the Danny Biasone Room inside the Henninger Athletic Center.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/11-30/page-41|title=Time Out for an Original|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=November 30, 2000|pages=D-1, D-3|access-date=April 2, 2025}} The Dolphins lost the game to Bentley, 104–75. Tom Patton scored 17 points to lead Le Moyne. Jason Coleman had 13 points and six rebounds, and Brendan Bayly added seven points and six rebounds. Kyle Chapman chipped in four points and nine assists for the Dolphins, who fell to 1–3 overall and 0–2 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/11-30/page-45|title=Bentley College 104, Le Moyne 75|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=November 30, 2000|page=D-5|access-date=April 2, 2025}}

The Dolphins' streak of four straight wins against ranked Division II opponents ended with a 95–83 home loss to Saint Michael's, ranked no. 25 in the NCAA Division II Bulletin poll on December 9. In comparison with their recent blowout losses, Le Moyne's performance was encouraging. The Dolphins kept the game close, until the Purple Knights went on a run with about 13 minutes to play. During two spurts that consumed nine minutes, Saint Michael's outscored Le Moyne, 28–5. The Dolphins had a 78–67 advantage over the remaining 31 minutes of play. Brett Barnard scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead Le Moyne. Steve Vega also had 17 points for the Dolphins. Jason Coleman added six points and five assists. Le Moyne's most recent loss against a ranked Division II opponent had been in the 1997 NCAA tournament. The loss was the fifth straight for the Dolphins, all against conference opponents, dropping them to 1–6 overall and 0–5 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/12-10/page-33|title=Dolphins Hang Tough|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=December 10, 2000|page=C-9|access-date=April 3, 2025}}

Le Moyne hosted the Holiday Inn Carrier Circle Classic on December 29 and 30. In the opening round, the Dolphins defeated Southern Vermont, 96–66. Le Moyne held the Mountaineers to 34% shooting from the floor. Kyle Chapman led six Dolphins in double figures with 13 points. Brett Barnard scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Chris Henry added 10 points and six rebounds.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/12-30/page-30|title=Le Moyne Ends Winless Drought|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Rahme|first=Dave|date=December 30, 2000|page=D-4|access-date=April 3, 2025}}

In the tournament final, the Dolphins' defense overwhelmed Hartwick, and Le Moyne cruised to a 90–65 victory. The Dolphins held the Hawks to 34% shooting from the field and blocked 13 Hartwick shots. With the score tied at 15, Le Moyne went on a 40–13 run that culminated with scoring the first 14 points of the second half, putting the game out of reach. Jamie McArdle scored a career-high 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds, earning tournament most valuable player honors. Rob Thorpe scored two points and had a game-high seven assists for the Dolphins. Kyle Chapman and Brett Barnard joined McArdle on the all-tournament team. Chapman had 11 points, and Barnard scored nine in the final.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/12-31/page-28|title=Le Moyne Turns Corner with Tourney Win|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Rahme|first=Dave|date=December 31, 2000|page=C-5|access-date=April 3, 2025}}

Freshman point guard Jason Coleman caught an outlet pass off a missed New Hampshire College free throw, drove to the basket and converted a three-point play to give the Dolphins a 73–70 lead with three seconds to play at Ted Grant Court on January 22, 2001. Coleman then stole the Penmen's inbounds pass and secured a victory that ended Le Moyne's seven-game losing streak. The Dolphins had a seven-point lead in the second half but fell behind by four with six minutes to play. Le Moyne battled back and tied the score at 65 with 3:30 remaining, and neither team led by more than two points, until Coleman's free throw in the closing seconds. Kyle Chapman scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Dolphins in his return from a two-game absence with the flu. Coleman finished with 10 points and six assists. Le Moyne improved to 4–13 overall and 1–12 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1091362058|title=Dolphins Finally Get Their W|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=January 23, 2001|page=C-5|access-date=April 4, 2025}}

After a double overtime loss to Assumption in which Le Moyne had three-point leads in the final minute of both regulation and the first overtime,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1093521941|title=Le Moyne Loses in Close One|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=February 11, 2001|page=C-9|access-date=April 4, 2025}} the Dolphins called a players only meeting led by sophomore Kyle Chapman. Le Moyne raced to a 16–2 lead in their February 13 home game against American International and built their advantage to 19 points in the second half. The Yellow Jackets battled back, cutting the deficit to five points with a minute to play. The Dolphins went 8 for 10 from the free-throw line down the stretch to secure an 81–70 victory, ending their five-game losing streak. Chapman led the way with his first double-double of the season, scoring 23 points, grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing four assists. The Dolphins improved to 5–18 overall and 2–17 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2001/02-14/page-49|title=Chapman's Speech Inspires Dolphins|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 14, 2001|page=F-5|access-date=April 4, 2025}}

The Dolphins wrapped up their season with an 80–66 home loss to Southern Connecticut on February 21.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2001/02-22/page-22|title=Southern Connecticut 80, Le Moyne 66|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 22, 2001|page=C-6|access-date=April 4, 2025}} Tom Patton scored 15 points to lead Le Moyne. Jamie McArdle added 13 points and nine rebounds, and Jason Coleman had nine points and seven assists for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1090977137|title=So. Conn. 80, Le Moyne 66|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=February 22, 2001|page=C-2|access-date=April 4, 2025}} The Dolphins finished 5–21 overall and 2–20, last place in the NE10.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp20010301-01.1.9|title=Men's Basketball Out of Sync|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LIV|issue=9|last=Roth|first=Beth|date=March 1, 2001|page=9|access-date=April 4, 2025}} The Dolphins' record matched that of the 1980–81 team for the worst in program history.

{{anchor|2001–02}}Since the Dolphins had no seniors the previous season, there were no players lost to graduation in 2001. Senior Tom Patton, redshirt sophomore Brett Barnard and sophomores Brendan Bayly, Jason Coleman, Al Drechsler, Chris Henry, Jamie McArdle, Brian Robertson and Rob Thorpe all returned. Steve Vega transferred to Clarkson for his senior season. Kyle Chapman did not return for his junior season and transferred to Oakland.{{cite web|url=https://goldengrizzlies.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kyle-chapman/786|title=2 Kyle Chapman|website=Oakland University Golden Grizzlies|access-date=April 11, 2025}} Jamar Hubbard was granted a release from his scholarship after the previous season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/05-03/page-47|title=Croatian Chooses Dolphins|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=May 3, 2001|page=E-9|access-date=April 10, 2025}} Rashad Richards, who redshirted as a freshman the previous season, transferred to Onondaga Community College,{{cite web|url=https://onondagalazers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rashad-richards/483|title=50 Rashad Richards|website=Onondaga Lazers|access-date=April 11, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/11-16/page-42|title=OCC Wants Fast Start|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=November 16, 2001|page=D-8|access-date=April 10, 2025}} after becoming academically ineligible to play for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/01-26/page-41|title=Richards Gets Second Chance|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=January 26, 2002|pages=E-3, E-6|access-date=May 27, 2025}} Thorpe considered transfering after the previous season, but head coach Steve Evans convinced him and his parents that he would be an integral part of Le Moyne's future.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/02-13/page-30|title=The Right Call|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=February 13, 2004|page=D-4|access-date=June 10, 2025}} Patton suffered a broken hand that sidelined him at the start of the season. He would appear in only five games before exiting the team in January 2002.

In December 2000, Tom Femminella, a 5'10" shooting guard, passed up at least three Division I offers and signed a letter of intent with Le Moyne. Femminella averaged 24 points and seven assists per game as a junior at Massapequa High School.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2000/12-09/page-35|title=Dolphins Land Top Recruit|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=December 9, 2000|page=D-6|access-date=April 10, 2025}} Darko Sedlar, a 6'6" Croatian forward, who played at Columbia High School, signed with Le Moyne in May 2001.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/05-03/page-39|title=Forth's 'Mate Coming Here, Too|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=May 3, 2001|pages=E-1, E-9|access-date=April 10, 2025}} Flagan Prince, who had never played high school basketball but was impressive at Mohawk Valley Community College from 1998 to 2000, was a teammate of Rob Thorpe on the Central New York squad at the 2001 Empire State Games. Prince had not graduated, when his junior college eligibility ran out a year earlier, but he had recently completed his associate's degree. Prince had Division II offers, including one from Le Moyne, but told the media he would not make a decision until after the Games, hoping to get a Division I opportunity.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2001/07-27/page-27|title=Prince Has the Look of Royalty|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=July 27, 2001|pages=C-1, C-5|access-date=April 10, 2025}} In August, Prince, a 6'6" small forward, signed with the Dolphins as a junior transfer. Prince had averaged 19 points per game during his second season at Mohawk Valley.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/2001/08-08/page-29|title=Sleeper Will Try to Wake Up Dolphins|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Thamel|first=Pete|date=August 8, 2001|page=C-5|access-date=April 10, 2025}} John Healy, a 6'9" walk-on freshman center, joined the team.{{cite web|url=https://stats.ncaa.org/teams/45215/roster|title=Le Moyne Dolphins 2001–02 Men's Basketball Roster|website=NCAA Statistics|access-date=April 10, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp20011108-01.1.12|title=Basketball Teams Off to a Running Start|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LV|issue=10|last=Roth|first=Beth|date=November 8, 2001|page=12|access-date=April 11, 2025}} Head coach Steve Evans said that Thorpe and Jason Coleman would no longer split time at point guard. He named Thorpe the starter and said Coleman would come off the bench for offensive punch, taking advantage of his ability to create off the dribble.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/11-16/page-42|title=Dolphins: Nowhere to Go But Up|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=November 16, 2001|page=D-8|access-date=April 11, 2025}}

Rob Thorpe's three-pointer with three seconds to play in overtime provided the winning margin in the Dolphins' 92–89 victory at Stonehill on December 4, 2001. Thorpe was 5 for 9 from beyond the arc and finished with 15 points, six assists and two steals. Brett Barnard led Le Moyne with 22 points and five blocked shots. Jason Coleman added 15 points and two steals for the Dolphins, and Flagan Prince had 14 points and seven rebounds.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/12-05/page-47|title=Le Moyne 92, Stonehill 89|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 5, 2001|page=E-5|access-date=April 11, 2025}} This was Le Moyne's first road win against a conference opponent since January 11, 1999. The Dolphins had lost 25 consecutive conference regular-season road games and 26 straight road games versus conference opponents overall. With their second straight overtime win, Le Moyne improved to 3–2 overall and 2–2 in NE10 play.

After falling behind early by 13 points at Saint Michael's on December 8, the Dolphins surged ahead, fueled by 23 first-half points scored by Jason Coleman. By intermission, Le Moyne had a four-point lead, and they cruised to an 82–65 victory. Coleman finished with 32 points, shooting 12 for 21 from the field and 6 for 10 from three-point range, and added two steals. The Dolphins shot 53% from the floor, while holding the Purple Knights to 29%. It was the first road win for Le Moyne at Saint Michael's since January 8, 1985, after 12 straight losses. The win gave the Dolphins their first three-game conference winning streak since January 1999. Jamie McArdle and Darko Sedlar each grabbed six rebounds for Le Moyne, and McArdle added 13 points and two steals. Rob Thorpe scored 11 points, dished five assists and had two steals, and Flagan Prince finished with 14 points. The Dolphins improved to 4–2 overall and 3–2 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/12-09/page-32|title=Le Moyne Sweeps Knights|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 9, 2001|page=C-8|access-date=April 11, 2025}} Le Moyne was ranked no. 7 in the NCAA Division II Northeast Region poll on December 10.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/12-15/page-34|title=Le Moyne No. 7|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=December 15, 2001|page=D-6|access-date=April 11, 2025}}

After a 10-point home loss to Saint Rose in which Le Moyne shot 35% from the floor and 36% from the free-throw line,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/12-20/page-33|title=Le Moyne Shanks Shot at Beating St. Rose|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=December 20, 2001|page=D-3|access-date=May 27, 2025}} the Dolphins opened the Le Moyne College Holiday Tournament on December 28, with a 70–55 win over Alfred. Flagan Prince had a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Rob Thorpe had 16 points and four steals to lead Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/12-29/page-36|title=Le Moyne College Holiday Tournament|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 29, 2001|page=E-4|access-date=May 27, 2025}} The following day, Prince had his third straight double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds to earn the tournament most valuable player award and lead the Dolphins to an 86–78 win over Roberts Wesleyan in the title game. Brett Barnard also had a double-double for Le Moyne with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Rob Thorpe scored eight points and dished 13 assists. Barnard and Thorpe joined Prince on the all-tournament team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2001/12-30/page-30|title=Prince Leads Dolphins|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 30, 2001|page=C-8|access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The Dolphins lost their fifth straight game and sixth consecutive NE10 contest, when they fell at home to Bentley, 80–77, on January 12, 2002. Le Moyne sprinted to an early 20–5 lead but trailed by a point at intermission. Flagan Prince had a double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks for the Dolphins. Rob Thorpe added 16 points, eight assists and three steals. Jason Coleman shot 4 for 7 from three-point range and finished with 15 points for Le Moyne. The Dolphins fell to 6–8 overall and 3–8 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/01-13/page-27|title=Bentley 80, Le Moyne 77|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 13, 2002|page=C-7|access-date=May 27, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/01-13/page-33|title=Bentley 80, Le Moyne 77|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 13, 2002|page=C-13|access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The Dolphins used a 16–0 run over a span of five minutes to erase an 11-point deficit and cruised over the game's final 10 minutes to a 77–62 win at Merrimack on January 15. Le Moyne, who entered the game shooting just 61% from the free-throw line on the season, hit 20 of their 22 charity tosses. Freshman Darko Sedlar scored 19 points, shooting 2 for 3 from three-point range, to lead the Dolphins. Rob Thorpe added 17 points, all in the second half, and three steals. Brendan Bayly had a double-double off the bench with 16 points and 12 rebounds for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/01-16/page-32|title=Le Moyne 77, Bentley 62|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 16, 2002|page=D-4|access-date=May 27, 2025}}

Brett Barnard and Jason Coleman scored 15 points apiece, leading the Dolphins to a 79–62 home win over Saint Michael's on February 2. Sophomore point guard Rob Thorpe added 11 points, six assists and a career-high six rebounds for Le Moyne. The Dolphins improved to 11–10 overall and 7–10 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/02-03/page-26|title=Le Moyne Men, Women Defeat Saint Michael's|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 3, 2002|page=C-6|access-date=May 28, 2025}}

The Dolphins closed the regular season with a fifth consecutive loss, falling 93–81 in overtime at Southern Connecticut on February 20. Brett Barnard scored 14 points to lead Le Moyne, who dropped to 11–15 overall and 7–15 in NE10 play, finishing tied for 11th place in the league with Saint Michael's.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/02-21/page-27|title=Southern Connecticut State 93, Le Moyne 81, OT|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 21, 2002|page=C-7|access-date=May 28, 2025}} The Dolphins swept their two regular-season games against Saint Michael's to earn the no. 11 seed in the 12-team conference tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/02-22/page-25|title=Dolphins Hope to Stay Afloat|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=February 22, 2002|page=C-7|access-date=May 27, 2025}}

The Dolphins' season ended with an 81–63 loss in the first round of the NE10 tournament at Saint Anselm on February 23. The Hawks used a 10–0 run early in the first half to build an eight-point lead at intermission. Le Moyne got within six points with just over 11 minutes to play, but Saint Anselm seized control of the game the rest of the way. Brett Barnard scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Dolphins. Rob Thorpe added 15 points and five assists, and Jason Coleman had three points and three steals for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/02-24/page-29|title=Dolphins Lose Sixth in a Row|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 24, 2002|page=C-7|access-date=May 27, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/02-24/page-36|title=Saint Anselm 81, Le Moyne 63|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 24, 2002|page=C-14|access-date=May 27, 2025}}

Brett Barnard led Division II in field-goal accuracy in 2001–02 at 66.8%.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/11-13/page-56|title=Veterans Will Lead Le Moyne, Colgate|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wagner|first=Chris|date=November 13, 2002|page=E-16|access-date=May 30, 2025}}

{{anchor|2002–03}}Tom Patton, who had left the team prior to the end of the previous season, was the only senior lost to graduation in 2002. Senior Flagan Prince, redshirt junior Brett Barnard, juniors Rob Thorpe, Chris Henry, Brendan Bayly, Jason Coleman and Jamie McArdle and sophomore Darko Sedlar all returned. Junior Al Drechsler sat out the entire 2002–03 season as a medical redshirt. Junior Brian Robertson transferred to Elmira.{{cite web|url=https://stats.ncaa.org/players/1760027|title=Elmira Soaring Eagles 2002–03 Men's Basketball Robertson, Brian #24 G|website=NCAA Statistics|access-date=May 30, 2025}} Sophomore Tom Femminella transferred to Catholic.{{cite web|url=https://stats.ncaa.org/players/1961587|title=Catholic Cardinals 2003–04 Men's Basketball Femminella, Tom #12 G|website=NCAA Statistics|access-date=May 30, 2025}} Sid Pond, a 6'8" power forward, who averaged 15 points and 15 rebounds per game as a senior at Watertown High School, joined the team. Also added were freshmen Nick Dooley, a 6'0" point guard from Troy, and Corey Smith, a 6'5" shooting guard. Senior Anibal Abdella, a 5'8" guard, who had previously served as the team's manager,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/01-24/page-31|title=Dolphins Hustle to a Victory|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Albert|first=Matt|date=January 24, 2003|page=D-5|access-date=June 4, 2025}} made the team as a walk-on.{{cite web|url=https://stats.ncaa.org/teams/47220/roster|title=Le Moyne Dolphins 2002–03 Men's Basketball Roster|website=NCAA Statistics|access-date=May 30, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/11-13/page-35|title=Ready to Win|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wagner|first=Chris|date=November 13, 2002|page=D-3|access-date=May 30, 2025}} Chris Connolly joined the staff as an assistant coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp20031106-01.1.12|title=2003–2004 Basketball Preview: Le Moyne Men Prepare for Season Opener|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=LVII|issue=9|publisher=Le Moyne College|last=Maggart|first=Jonathan|date=November 6, 2003|page=12|access-date=June 6, 2025}}

The Dolphins opened the season with a 98–86 win over Alderson-Broaddus in the opening game of the Lid-Lifter Classic, hosted by Pitt–Johnstown, on November 22, 2002. Jason Coleman made four three-pointers and notched 20 points to lead Le Moyne, who had five players score in double figures.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/11-23/page-22|title=Le Moyne 98, Alderson-Broaddus 86|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=November 23, 2002|page=D-3|access-date=May 30, 2025}} The following evening, the Dolphins erased a 12-point second-half deficit with a 13–0 run and went on to take the tournament title with a 73–67 victory over host Pitt–Johnstown. Coleman scored 18 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished four assists. Flagan Prince finished with 13 points, 19 rebounds and four blocked shots for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/11-24/page-44|title=Le Moyne 73, Pitt–Johnstown 67|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=November 24, 2002|page=D-11|access-date=May 30, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/pennsylvania/johnstown/johnstown-tribune-democrat/2002/11-24/page-23|title=Dolphins Tame Mountain Cats|newspaper=The Tribune-Democrat|location=Johnstown, Pennsylvania|date=November 24, 2002|page=C-3|access-date=May 30, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2002-03/pitt-johnstown/boxscore/11430|title=Pitt–Johnstown 73, Le Moyne Dolphins 67 [sic]|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|date=November 23, 2002|access-date=May 30, 2025}}

The Dolphins hosted Assumption, ranked no. 19 in Division II,{{rp|55}} on December 19. When the Greyhounds last visited Le Moyne in February 2002, Flagan Prince missed a pair of free throws with nine seconds remaining, and the Dolphins fell, 69–67. Prince was seeking redemption, saying, "I personally felt responsible for what happened last year and carried that with me." However, just over five minutes into the game, Assumption had surged to an early 20–2 lead. After getting challenged by head coach Steve Evans, the Dolphins proved up to the task. Their defense and rebounding improved, leading to transition baskets, and Assumption's lead shrunk to 39–35 by intermission. Le Moyne's momentum carried them through the second half, and they led, 74–65, with 4:15 to play. The Greyhounds put together a furious 8–0 run to pull within a point in the closing minute. However, the Dolphins hit 6 of 8 free throws in the final 30 seconds and secured an 82–78 victory. Prince got his redemption, leading Le Moyne with 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the floor and 12 rebounds. Rob Thorpe added 19 points and eight assists. Brett Barnard had 13 points and four blocks, and Jamie McArdle chipped in with 12 points and four steals for Le Moyne. The win was the fourth straight for the Dolphins, improving their record to 6–1 overall and 4–1 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/12-20/page-30|title=Le Moyne Pulls Upset|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wagner|first=Chris|date=December 20, 2002|page=D-4|access-date=May 30, 2025}}

After falling behind Roberts Wesleyan by 14 points late in the first half of their opening-round game in the Le Moyne College Holiday Tournament on December 28, the Dolphins went on a 45–21 extended run over 20 minutes and earned a 77–72 victory. Although the Raiders played in NAIA Division II, there was heightened interest in the game, since they had seven players from Central New York on their roster.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/12-28/page-24|title=Dolphins Foe Loaded with Locals|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wagner|first=Chris|date=December 28, 2002|page=D-4|access-date=May 30, 2025}} Jason Coleman led Le Moyne with 19 points and added six rebounds, three assists and a steal. Flagan Prince had a double-double with 15 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and a block. With Rob Thorpe shelved by an ankle injury, freshman Nick Dooley was pressed into starting point guard duty and responded with eight points, 10 assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, while committing only two turnovers.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/12-29/page-37|title=Balance is Dolphins' Trick|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wagner|first=Chris|date=December 29, 2002|page=D-7|access-date=May 30, 2025}}

The following day, Brockport's seven-point advantage over the Dolphins vanished early in the second-half, but the Division III power responded with a 10–0 run to reclaim the lead and held off a Le Moyne charge for a 77–72 victory in the tournament final. Jason Coleman led the Dolphins with 19 points and three steals. Flagan Prince added 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Rob Thorpe contributed 12 points, eight assists and two steals off the bench. Coleman and Nick Dooley were named to the all-tournament team. Le Moyne fell to 7–3 on the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2002/12-30/page-23|title=Brockport Bests Le Moyne Tourney|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 30, 2002|page=C-9|access-date=June 1, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2002-03/brockport/boxscore/11438|title=Brockport 77 Le Moyne Dolphins 72|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|date=December 29, 2002|access-date=June 1, 2025}}

The Dolphins snapped a four-game losing streak with a 68–60 home win over Stonehill on January 11, 2003. Le Moyne led by 15 points with 5:37 to play, before the Chieftains went on a 10–0 run fueled by a full-court press to cut their deficit to 54–49 three minutes later. The Dolphins put the game away by hitting 12 of their 13 free-throw attempts in the closing minutes. Flagan Prince, 20 points, 10 rebounds and a block, and Jason Coleman, 12 points and 12 rebounds, each had a double-double for Le Moyne. Rob Thorpe added eight points, eight assists, two rebounds and a steal for the Dolphins, who improved to 8–6 overall and 5–5 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/01-12/page-39|title=Stone Cold Tough|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wagner|first=Chris|date=January 12, 2003|page=D-9|access-date=June 3, 2025}}

The Dolphins earned their fourth straight victory with an 87–62 home win over Saint Michael's on January 23. After a slow start, Le Moyne's shooting turned hot and was highlighted by Rob Thorpe's shot from behind the backboard as he was falling out of bounds after getting fouled. Thorpe finished with a game-high 22 points and added seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. After the Purple Knights got within 10 points with just over nine minutes to play, the Dolphins pulled away with a 27–12 run to close the game. Former team manager Anibal Abdella finished the scoring with his first basket of the season, a three-pointer. Flagan Prince recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, and Brett Barnard had 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for Le Moyne. Jamie McArdle came off the bench to stuff the stat sheet with 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three blocks and three steals. Le Moyne shot 53% from the floor and 46% from beyond the arc, while limiting Saint Michael's to a 34% clip on field-goal attempts. The Dolphins improved to 11–6 overall and 8–5 in NE10 play.

Flagan Prince posted his eighth double-double of the season, leading the Dolphins to a 74–66 home victory over Southern Connecticut State on February 8. It was Le Moyne's fourth straight win and eighth in the previous nine games. Prince finished with 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the floor, 13 rebounds, five assists and a block and held Owls star Aaron Davis in check on the defensive end. Jason Coleman provided the outside game for the Dolphins, scoring 19 points while shooting 5 for 8 from three-point range, and added six rebounds and three assists. Le Moyne improved to 15–7 overall and 12–6 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/02-09/page-37|title=Dolphins' Prince Gets Upper Hand|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Albert|first=Matt|date=February 9, 2003|page=D-5|access-date=June 5, 2025}}

After allowing a lead to slip away in the final three minutes at Saint Rose on February 11,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/02-12/page-33|title=Saint Rose 58, Le Moyne 57|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 12, 2003|page=D-5|access-date=June 5, 2025}} the Dolphins were upset at home four days later by Saint Anselm, who entered the game just 7–12 in conference play. Le Moyne showed little defensive intensity, surrendering the most points in a game all season in an 88–84 loss. The Hawks opened the second half with a 12–2 run to build a 12-point lead. The Dolphins pulled within two points with 1:10 to play but got no closer. Flagan Prince had a double-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a block. Rob Thorpe added 17 points, five assists, a rebound and a block for Le Moyne, who fell out of position for a first-round bye in the NE10 tournament at 12–8 in league play and 15–9 overall.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/02-16/page-42|title=Le Moyne Stalls vs. St. Anselm|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Albert|first=Matt|date=February 16, 2003|page=D-8|access-date=June 5, 2025}}

The Dolphins ended their regular season with their fourth straight conference loss, 91–75, at Southern Connecticut State, a team that failed to reach the NE10 tournament, on February 25. Flagan Prince scored 34 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Le Moyne. Jason Coleman added 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jamie McArdle came off the bench to log eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and four steals in 30 minutes of action.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/02-26/page-32|title=Southern Connecticut 91, Le Moyne 75|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 26, 2003|page=D-4|access-date=June 5, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2002-03/southern-conn-st-/boxscore/11455|title=Le Moyne Dolphins 75 vs. 91 Southern Conn. St.|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|date=February 25, 2003|access-date=June 5, 2025}} McArdle was pressed into service after Chris Henry suffered a sprained ankle eight minutes into the game.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/03-01/page-25|title=Different Story for Dolphins|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wagner|first=Chris|date=March 1, 2003|page=D-5|access-date=June 5, 2025}} The loss dropped the Dolphins to 12–10 in NE10 play, tied for sixth place with Bentley and Bryant. The Dolphins earned the no. 6 seed in the conference tournament,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/02-28/page-37|title=Le Moyne Men to Play Merrimack in Tournament|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 28, 2003|page=D-11|access-date=June 5, 2025}} since they swept all three games against Bentley and Bryant.

Rob Thorpe scored a career-high 31 points, leading the Dolphins to an 85–74 home win over Merrimack in the first round of the NE10 tournament on March 1. It was the first postseason victory for Le Moyne since 1998. Thorpe, who also had six assists, five rebounds and a steal, scored 12 straight points in a decisive four-minute stretch that ended two minutes into the second half, allowing the Dolphins to pull away. Le Moyne's lead swelled to 18 points, and the Warriors never got closer than eight points down the rest of the way. Flagan Prince added 14 points and six rebounds, and Brett Barnard had 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/03-02/page-39|title=Thorpe Keeps Dolphins Afloat|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Albert|first=Matt|date=March 2, 2003|page=D-7|access-date=June 5, 2025}}

After a first half that featured nine lead changes and six ties in which the Dolphins shot 73% from the floor but trailed, 46–40, at the intermission at Saint Rose on March 3, Le Moyne was unable to maintain their hot shooting and began to fall behind. The Golden Knights solved the Dolphins' zone defense with ball movement. They had 26 assists on 32 made field goals for the game. Saint Rose also had a 33–28 rebouding edge, which included 16 caroms collected from the offensive boards. The Dolphins made a run and were within three points with possession and 10 minutes to play but turned the ball over. After falling behind again by 12 points, Le Moyne got within four with 3:40 to play, but the Golden Knights hit a dagger triple and went on to secure a 94–88 win in the NE10 quarterfinals, their ninth straight victory over the Dolphins, a streak that started in 1991. Flagain Prince scored 26 points to lead Le Moyne and added six rebounds, four assists and a steal in his final collegiate game. Chris Henry had 19 points and four rebounds before fouling out. Rob Thorpe finished with 11 points, six assists, two steals and a block but committed eight turnovers. The Dolphins ended the season 17–12 overall.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/03-04/page-23|title=Saint Rose Dusts the Dolphins|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Webb|first=Donnie|date=March 4, 2003|pages=D-1, D-4|access-date=June 5, 2025}}

Senior Flagan Prince was selected to the 2003 All-Northeast-10 Conference first team, and junior Rob Thorpe made the third team. Prince was also named second team Division II All-Region{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp20030320-01.1.11|title=Men's Basketball Knocked Out in Quarterfinals|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|volume=LVI|issue=20|date=March 20, 2003|last=Lowie|first=Caitlin|page=11|access-date=June 6, 2025}} and honorable mention Division II All-American.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/11-15/page-24|title=Dolphins to Rely on Experience|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wagner|first=Chris|date=November 15, 2003|page=D-4|access-date=June 6, 2025}}

{{anchor|2003–04}}Members of Le Moyne's recruiting class of 2000 who played as freshmen on the NCAA's youngest team during the 2000–01 season became seniors in 2003, and were poised to play key roles on a veteran squad. The Dolphins lost honorable mention All-American Flagan Prince, their leading scorer and rebounder, and Anibal Abdella to graduation. Returning for the 2003–04 season were redshirt senior Brett Barnard, seniors Rob Thorpe, Jason Coleman, Chris Henry, Brendan Bayly and Jamie McArdle, redshirt junior Al Drechsler, junior Darko Sedlar and sophomores Sid Pond and Corey Smith. Drechsler was a member of the 2000 recruiting class, who had missed the previous season with an injury. Phil Schoff, a 6'6" shooting guard from Fort Plain, New York, who was a third-team Class C All-New York State selection, averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds per game as a senior at Little Falls High School, was new to the team. Matt Cooper represented a significant local recruiting victory for Le Moyne. He was a 6'7" power forward/center, who was sixth-team Class A All-New York State and averaged 24 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks per game at G. Ray Bodley High School. Head coach Steve Evans expected Cooper to have an immediate impact on the team. Anthony Drayton, a 5'10" guard from Boston, who averaged 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game as a senior at Avon Old Farms, signed a letter of intent{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/07-08/page-28|title=Fulton's Cooper Headed to Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=July 8, 2003|page=D-6|access-date=June 6, 2025}} but ended up attending Lesley instead.{{cite web|url=https://stats.ncaa.org/players/2577327|title=Lesley Lynx 2006–07 Men's Basketball Drayton, Anthony #12 G|website=NCAA Statistics|access-date=June 6, 2025}} Junior John Zych and freshman Derrick Hannah made the team as walk-ons. Thorpe was named team captain.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/02-25/page-34|title=Dolphins Win Despite Senior's No-No|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=February 25, 2004|page=D-6|access-date=June 10, 2025}} Todd Montana, formerly an assistant at Union (NY), was added to the staff as an assistant coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/08-28/page-28|title=Le Moyne Names Assistant Men's Coach|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=August 28, 2003|page=D-2|access-date=June 6, 2025}} The Dolphins were picked to finish 10th in the 15-team NE10 in the preseason coaches poll.

After starting the season 0–4, including 0–3 in NE10 play, the Dolphins earned a 61–53 home win over American International on December 3, 2003. After allowing a 12-point second-half lead to flip to a two-point deficit, Le Moyne closed the game on a 19–9 run over the final nine minutes. Jame McArdle scored a team-high 18 points, grabbed six rebounds, had three steals and dished four assists, including a pass to Brendan Bayly for a jump shot that gave the Dolphins the lead for good. Chris Henry added 10 points, six rebounds and three steals, and Rob Thorpe had 12 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals for Le Moyne. The Yellow Jackets outrebounded the Dolphins, 52–32, but Le Moyne shot 44% from the floor, while holding American International to 33%. The Dolphins forced 19 turnovers and committed only eight.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/12-04/page-36|title=Le Moyne Men Get First Victory|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 4, 2003|page=D-4|access-date=June 7, 2025}}

The Dolphins won their second straight game, a 72–68 upset at Assumption, ranked no. 21 in Division II,{{rp|119}} on December 6. Rob Thorpe led Le Moyne with 28 points, four assists, two rebounds and three steals. Jamie McArdle did not score but had six boards, two steals and an assist.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/442834225|title=Le Moyne 72, Assumption 68|newspaper=Boston Sunday Globe|date=December 7, 2003|page=C-16|access-date=June 8, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/12-07/page-51|title=Le Moyne 72, Assumption 68|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 7, 2003|page=D-13|access-date=June 8, 2025}}

The Dolphins played Nebraska Wesleyan in the opener of the South Padre Island Shootout, a four-team showcase event that included Le Moyne and three Division III clubs, in Los Fresnos, Texas on December 28.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/texas/brownsville/brownsville-herald/2003/12-24/page-13|title=Four Men's Collegiate Teams Set for SPI Shootout|newspaper=The Brownsville Herald|last=Hess|first=Roy|date=December 24, 2003|pages=B-1, B-4|access-date=June 8, 2025}} After falling behind by 14 points at the break, the Prairie Wolves scored the first six points of the second half to cut their deficit to eight points. Le Moyne responded with a 23–9 run and cruised to an 81–65 victory. Rob Thorpe led the Dolphins with 18 points and seven assists. Sid Pond had a double-double for Le Moyne with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Matt Cooper added 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block. The Dolphins shot 58% from the floor, while holding Nebraska Wesleyan to a 37% clip. The game was the first in program history Le Moyne played outside the Eastern Time Zone.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/297849129|title=Dolphins Sink NWU in S. Padre Shootout|newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star|date=December 29, 2003|page=6D|access-date=June 8, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/texas/brownsville/brownsville-herald/2003/12-29/page-12|title=Le Moyne's Trip to RGV Helps Gain Win|newspaper=The Brownsville Herald|last=Hess|first=Roy|date=December 29, 2003|page=B-2|access-date=June 8, 2025}}

The following evening, Jason Coleman scored 20 points, grabbed two rebounds and had three steals to lead the Dolphins to a 78–67 victory over Sewanee. Le Moyne was the only team in the South Padre Island Shootout to win both games they played. Rob Thorpe finished with seven points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal and was named the event's most valuable player. Brendan Bayly added 10 points, six boards, three blocks and a steal for the Dolphins, who improved to 5–5 on the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2003/12-30/page-25|title=Le Moyne Wins Shootout Tourney|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 30, 2003|page=D-3|access-date=June 8, 2025}}

The Dolphins hosted Massachusetts Lowell, ranked no. 14 in Division II,{{rp|57}} on January 6, 2004. By halftime, Le Moyne had built a 10-point lead that swelled to 15 points early in the second half. After Corey Smith hit a jump shot with 13:10 to play, the Dolphins had a 13-point lead. From that point, the River Hawks embarked on a 22–9 run, culminating with a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Elad Inbar that tied the score at 55. Le Moyne shot 0 for 13 from the floor during the run. Jamie McArdle's pass found Brendan Bayly, who made a layup and converted a three-point play, breaking a tie with 29.2 seconds left in overtime. The River Hawks missed four three-pointers on their final possession, and the Dolphins held on for a 61–58 victory. Rob Thorpe led the Dolphins with 16 points and five assists and added six rebounds, a block and an assist. Chris Henry scored four points, grabbed nine rebounds and had three steals and a block for Le Moyne, who evened their record at 6–6 overall and 4–4 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/01-07/page-36|title=Dolphins' Defense Spearheads Upset|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=January 7, 2004|page=D-8|access-date=June 8, 2025}}

Senior Jason Coleman scored 14 points and became the 31st player in Le Moyne's program history to reach 1,000 career points in the Dolphins' 74–65 home victory over Saint Anselm on January 17. Jamie McArdle had a game-high 20 points and added four rebounds and an assist for Le Moyne. Brendan Bayly was held scoreless but had seven rebounds and a block. Rob Thorpe finished with nine points, six rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The win was the Dolphins' ninth in their last 12 games and improved their record to 9–7 overall and 7–5 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/01-18/page-37|title=Le Moyne 74, St. Anselm 65|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 18, 2004|page=D-7|access-date=June 9, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/01-23/page-29|title=Coleman Reaches Milestone|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=January 23, 2004|page=D-3|access-date=June 9, 2025}}

The Dolphins won their sixth straight game and 13th of their last 16 contests with an 80–59 home victory over Bryant, ranked no. 2 in the Northeast Region poll, on January 31. The game left both teams at 11–5 in NE10 play, tied for first place in the league. Senior Rob Thorpe had a double-double with 17 points, 12 assists, two rebounds and two steals and became the team's second player this season to reach 1,000 career points. Jamie McArdle also had a double-double for Le Moyne with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/02-01/page-46|title=Le Moyne Rolls to Sixth Straight Victory|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Luthra|first=Ram|date=February 1, 2004|page=D-14|access-date=June 9, 2025}}

After a pair of road losses dropped Le Moyne from first place in the NE10 standings, the Dolphins hosted Saint Rose in a battle for fourth place on February 10. The top four finishers in the league would earn first-round byes in the conference tournament. The Golden Knights entered the game with a 10-game winning streak over the Dolphins with Le Moyne's last win coming in November 1991. Two Le Moyne starters, Jamie McArdle with an ankle injury and Matt Cooper with back trouble, sat out the game. The Dolphins jumped out to an early 21–9 lead with junior Darko Sedlar, making his first collegiate start, scoring 10 points during the early burst. Sedlar did not score the rest of the game, but head coach Steve Evans said the energy infused by the popular player carried the team throughout the contest. All five Le Moyne starters scored in double figures, led by Jason Coleman with 19 points. Rob Thorpe had 17 points, eight assists and three steals. Brendan Bayly finished with 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks, and Chris Henry added 17 points and six rebounds. The Dolphins improved to 14–9 overall and 12–7 in NE10 play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/02-11/page-37|title=Fabulous Five|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=February 11, 2004|page=D-7|access-date=June 10, 2025}}

The Dolphins won their regular-season finale, 70–61, at home over Southern Connecticut on February 24. Le Moyne's six seniors, who were part of the NCAA's youngest team as freshmen, were honored in a ceremony prior to the game. The Dolphins had a 51–48 lead and ended the game with a 19–13 run in the closing minutes. Rob Thorpe led the Dolphins with 18 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. With less than seven minutes to play, Jason Coleman and Mike Vukmanovich of Southern Connecticut were battling on the floor for a loose ball, when Vukmanovich punched Coleman. Chris Henry came to the aid of his teammate and punched Vukmanovich. Henry and Vukmanovich were both ejected. Since NCAA rules mandate a minimum one-game suspension for throwing a punch, the Dolphins would have to play their NE10 tournament opener without Henry. Jamie McArdle, Le Moyne's leading rebounder, played six minutes in his return from a four-game absence with an ankle injury. The Dolphins finished the regular season 17–10 overall and 14–8 in NE10 play, tied for fourth place with Bryant. Since Le Moyne and Bryant split their two regular-season games, the Dolphins were awarded the no. 4 seed, because they won their only game against regular-season champion Massachusetts Lowell, who defeated Bryant twice.

The Dolphins hosted Bryant, who had defeated American International in the first round,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/02-28/page-136|title=Bryant 76, AIC 64|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=February 29, 2004|page=D-7|access-date=June 10, 2025}} in an NE10 quarterfinal game on March 1. The Bulldogs employed a diamond-an-one defense that successfully shut down Rob Thorpe and earned a 72–65 victory. Bryant head coach said the only other time during his 35-year head coaching career he used such a defense was in a high school game to stop Lamar Odom. Thorpe was limited to five points on 1 for 5 shooting from the floor and had three assists and three steals but committed three turnovers. Jason Coleman led the Dolphins with 22 points and added three rebounds, three assists and a steal. Jamie McArdle added 16 points, four rebounds and two assists, and Corey Smith had nine points, five boards, four assists and a block for Le Moyne.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/03-02/page-25|title=End of an Era|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Michael|first=Matt|date=March 2, 2004|pages=D-1, D-6|access-date=June 10, 2025}}

Rob Thorpe was named 2004 first-team All-Northeast-10 Conference. He finished his career as only the fourth player in program history with at least 1,000 career points and at least 500 career assists. Thorpe led the NE10 in assists per game with 6.32 in the 2003–04 season. Matt Cooper was named to the 2004 NE10 All-Rookie team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/2004/03-12/page-28|title=Dolphins' Thorpe Honored|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=March 12, 2004|page=D-2|access-date=June 10, 2025}}

{{anchor|2009–10}}Although it was an exhibition game, the Dolphins nevertheless attracted national attention when they defeated Syracuse at the Carrier Dome on November 3, 2009. Syracuse was ranked no. 25 in the preseason AP poll at the time. However, Christopher Johnson's three-pointer with 8.3 seconds remaining gave Division II Le Moyne an 82–79 road victory over a Division I national power.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/news/story?id=4620949|title=Johnson, Le Moyne Stun Syracuse|website=ESPN|date=November 3, 2009|access-date=January 2, 2024}} Syracuse had finished the previous season 28–10, ranked no. 13 in Division I, and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Once the season started, the Orange recovered. They were 2009–10 Big East Conference regular-season champions and reached the Sweet 16 of the 2010 NCAA tournament.

{{anchor|2013–14}}Despite an exit from the 2014 NE10 tournament in the semifinals, Le Moyne received an at-large NCAA tournament bid. As the 6th seed in the East Region, the Dolphins were defeated by Saint Anselm. Le Moyne finished the 2013–14 season 17–12.{{cite web|url=https://static.lemoynedolphins.com/custompages/Statistics/MBB/History/histresu.htm|title=Le Moyne College Men's Basketball All-time Game Results|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|date=December 22, 2023|access-date=January 1, 2024}}

{{anchor|2015–16}}Patrick Beilein, son of John Beilein, who coached the Dolphins from 1983 to 1992, took the head coaching reins in 2015. After a losing record in his first season, Beilein produced an era of success for Le Moyne basketball with three straight NCAA tournament appearances. Beilein made his debut as the Dolphins' head coach in an exhibition game against Michigan, coached by his father, at the Crisler Center. More than 70 members of the Beilein clan traveled from around the country to attend the game, which Michigan won, 74–52.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110615aab.html|title=Beileins Come Full Circle in Friday's Father-Son Matchup|last=Kornacki|first=Steve|date=November 6, 2015|website=University of Michigan Athletics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110052248/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110615aab.html|archive-date=November 10, 2015|access-date=January 3, 2024}}

{{anchor|2016–17}}In 2016–17, the Dolphins won the NE10 Southwest Division title and had the best regular-season record in the entire conference. Despite being upset in the NE10 tournament semifinals, Le Moyne's 22–6 record was good enough to secure an at-large berth as the no. 1 seed in the East Region of the NCAA tournament, hosting the first three rounds. However, the Dolphins suffered a first-round loss to Merrimack, 72–68, in overtime in front of the home crowd.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2017/3/12/mbbMerrimackNCAA.aspx|title=Merrimack Upsets Top-Seeded Men's Basketball in Overtime, 72–68, in NCAA East Region Quarterfinals|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=March 11, 2017|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|access-date=January 3, 2024}} For his efforts, Beilein was named 2017 NE10 coach of the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.syracuse.com/sports/2017/02/le_moyne_college_basketball_coach_player_pick_up_ne-10_awards.html|title=Le Moyne College Basketball Coach, Player Pick Up NE-10 Awards|website=Syracuse.com|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=February 24, 2017|access-date=January 2, 2024}}

{{anchor|2017–18}}Le Moyne's 2017–18 season was perhaps the best in program history by all measures. They achieved a new high in wins with 27, won the NE10 Southwest Division title, had the best conference record of any NE10 team, won the conference tournament and secured a no. 1 seed and hosting rights at the NCAA tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight. The Dolphins were an astounding 18–2 in conference play and entered the NE10 tournament with a 21–6 record and blitzed their way to the title. They defeated Stonehill by 39 points in the quarterfinals and topped Merrimack, 83–55, in the semifinals. The title game was a 69–63 victory over Northeast Division champion Saint Anselm. Le Moyne's Isaiah Eisendorf was named tournament MVP. Coach Beilein collected his second straight NE10 coach of the year award.

Playing at home in the NCAA tournament, Le Moyne scored victories over Jefferson, Saint Rose and Bloomfield. The Elite Eight was held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the Dolphins fell to West Texas A&M, 87–73. Entering the NCAA tournament, Le Moyne was ranked no. 24 nationally in the season's final Division II coaches poll.{{rp|92}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2018/3/20/mbbWestTexasAMNCAA.aspx?path=mbball|title=24th-Ranked Men's Basketball Falls to 11th-Ranked West Texas A&M in NCAA Quarterfinals|last=Lane|first=Craig|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|date=March 20, 2018|access-date=January 2, 2024}}

{{anchor|2018–19}}Le Moyne won another NE10 Southwest Division title in 2018–19. The Dolphins were upset at home in the conference tournament semifinals by Merrimack, 84–77, in overtime. Nevertheless, Le Moyne's 18–10 record earned them the no. 3 seed in the East Region at the NCAA tournament. The Dolphins were matched up in the first round with St. Thomas Aquinas, coached by former Le Moyne assistant coach, Tobin Anderson.{{cite web|url=https://dailyorange.com/2023/03/march-madness-darling-tobin-anderson-began-turning-programs-around-le-moyne|title=March Madness Darling Tobin Anderson Began Turning Programs Around at Le Moyne|last=Alandt|first=Anthony|date=March 24, 2023|website=The Daily Orange|access-date=January 4, 2024}} After the Dolphins built a 19-point lead, the Spartans staged a furious comeback to earn a 61–59 victory and eliminate Le Moyne from the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2019/3/16/mbbStThomasAquinasNCAA.aspx|title=Sixth-Seeded St. Thomas Aquinas Rallies for 61–59 Win over Third-Seeded Men's Basketball in NCAA East Region Quarterfinals|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=March 16, 2019|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|access-date=January 4, 2024}} After the season, Beirlein left Le Moyne to become the head coach at Division I Niagara.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26379343/beilein-son-hired-new-coach-niagara|title=Beilein's Son Hired As New Coach at Niagara|last=Borzello|first=Jeff|website=ESPN|date=March 28, 2019|access-date=January 2, 2024}}

{{anchor|2019–20}}Nate Champion, a Le Moyne alumnus, was hired as the new head coach in 2019.{{cite web|last=Waters|first=Mike|title=New Le Moyne Basketball Coach Nate Champion Calls Dolphins' Job 'a No-Brainer for Me'|url=https://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/2019/05/new-le-moyne-basketball-coach-nate-champion-calls-dolphins-job-a-no-brainer-for-me.html|website=Syracuse.com |date=May 30, 2019|access-date=January 2, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Infanti|first=Steve |title=LeMoyne Introduces Nate Champion As New Men's Basketball Head Coach|url=https://www.localsyr.com/local-sports/lemoyne-introduces-nate-champion-as-new-mens-basketball-head-coach|website=WSYR|date=May 30, 2019|access-date=January 2, 2024}} The Dolphins won their fourth straight NE10 Southwest Division title and had the best NE10 regular-season conference record in Champion's first season. Le Moyne bowed out at home in the NE10 tournament quarterfinals to New Haven, 75–73. Champion was named NE10 coach of the year, the third straight season the award had been won by a Le Moyne coach. The 2020 NCAA tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

{{main|2023–24 Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball team}}

In April 2022, Le Moyne College president Linda LeMura revealed that the school had hired a consultant to assess the feasibility of reclassifying to Division I and had begun internal discussions regarding the potential impact.{{cite web|url=https://www.syracuse.com/sports/2022/04/le-moyne-college-explores-a-jump-to-division-i-sports-heres-what-it-would-take.html|title=Le Moyne College Explores a Jump to Division I Sports: Here's What It Would Take|website=Syracuse.com|last=Carlson|first=Chris|date=April 8, 2022|access-date=March 7, 2024}} In September 2022, a social media post of a sports journalist indicated that the decision to move to Division I had been made, but no official announcement would come from Le Moyne, until it had officially been invited to join a conference.{{Cite tweet|author=Dante J. Furco|author-link=|user=DanteFurco|number=1575134201594220544|date=September 28, 2022|title=BREAKING: Le Moyne College (Syracuse) is in the process of transitioning to Division 1|access-date=March 7, 2024}}

File:Northeast Conference logo in Le Moyne colors.svgOn May 10, 2023, Le Moyne announced that the school would begin a transition to Division I, joining the Northeast Conference (NEC).{{cite news|url=https://www.wrvo.org/sports/2023-05-10/le-moyne-college-goes-division-i-joins-northeast-conference|title=Le Moyne College Goes Division I, Joins Northeast Conference|work=WRVO Public Media|last=Pukatch|first=Ava|date=May 10, 2023|access-date=December 21, 2023}} The Dolphins officially became a Division I program and a member of the NEC on July 1.{{Cite news|url=https://northeastconference.org/news/2023/6/28/GEN_Welcome_Dolphins_LEM_23.aspx|title=Dolphin Debut! Le Moyne Begins Its Northeast Conference Journey|work=Northeast Conference|date=July 1, 2023|access-date=October 20, 2023}}

As a team transitioning from Division II, Le Moyne initially was ineligible for the NCAA Division I tournament until 2028, since there was a required four-year transition period. However, January 2025 NCAA legislation allows schools transitioning from Division II to Division I to have their four-year transition period reduced to three years, if they meet revised criteria and apply to the NCAA to do so. If this process is completed, Le Moyne would become eligible for the 2027 NCAA Division I tournament.

Effective for the 2023–24 academic year, NEC teams transitioning from Division II became eligible to participate in the NEC tournament during the entirety of their transition periods.{{cite web|url= https://northeastconference.org/news/2023/6/13/GEN_Spring_Meetings_Recap_23_.aspx|title=2023 NEC Spring Meeting Recap|website=Northeast Conference|date=June 15, 2023|access-date=December 7, 2023}} Prior to the conference's rule change, NEC teams were eligible for the conference tournament only during their third and fourth transition years. As a result, Le Moyne was eligible for the 2024 NEC tournament.

Darrick Jones Jr. hit a three-pointer from the top of the key early in the Dolphins' season opener at Georgetown for Le Moyne's first points scored as a Division I program on November 7, 2023. Ball State transfer Kaiyem Cleary led the Dolphins with 11 points, all in the second half, and seven rebounds. Georgetown used a 9–2 run to take a 12–5 lead early in the game. The Hoyas extended the lead with an 8–0 run that made the score 20–7. After a brief flurry led by Jones, Trent Mosquera and Mike DePersia got the Dolphins within single digits at 28–19, the Hoyas closed the first half with a 19–4 run that gave them a 47–23 halftime lead on their way to a 94–57 victory. Jones and Luke Sutherland each contributed nine points for Le Moyne in the losing cause.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/georgetown-hoyas-mens-college-basketball-college-basketball-06d92c284e8f4cd8850e3653331f41d7|title=Georgetown Beats Le Moyne 94–57 in Ed Cooley's Debut As Coach of the Hoyas|website=The Associated Press|date=November 7, 2023|access-date=November 15, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2023/11/7/mbbGeorgetown.aspx|title=Georgetown Downs Men's Basketball in Season Opener|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=November 7, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://northeastconference.org/news/2023/10/27/MBB_Release_11_13_23.aspx|title=Northeast Conference Men's Basketball Weekly Release (11/13)|website=Northeast Conference|date=November 13, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023}}

Le Moyne used first-half runs of 16–2 and 20–2 to build a 47–15 lead and never looked back on their way to a 105–46 victory, their first as a Division I program, over Division III SUNY Canton in their 2023–24 home opener on November 13, 2023. Five Dolphins had double-figure scoring games led by Kaiyem Cleary with 21 points. Cleary shot 8 for 10 from the field, while adding seven rebounds and two steals in just 16 minutes. The Dolphins shot 32 for 37 on two-point field goals for the game, including 15 for 16 in the first half.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/mens-college-basketball-college-basketball-kaiyem-cleary-80cbc05041b944659849315d2ca3015c|title=Le Moyne Secures 105–46 Victory over SUNY-Canton|website=The Associated Press|date=November 13, 2023|access-date=November 15, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2023/11/13/mbbCanton.aspx|title=Men's Basketball Downs SUNY Canton, 105–46, in Home Opener|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=November 13, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023}}

Le Moyne recorded its first victory over a Division I opponent as a Division I program, an 80–70 win at Cal State Northridge on November 21, 2023, in their opening game of the Golden State Hoops Jam, a multi-team event sponsored by Pacific. Luke Sutherland led the Dolphins with 24 points and five rebounds. Le Moyne started five graduate students for the first time in the program's history, and they responded by sprinting to an 11–4 lead to start the game. After Le Moyne fell behind, 15–12, Mike DePersia (eight points, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals for the game) sparked a 19–2 run with a pull-up jump shot. The Matadors could not get closer than three points behind the rest of the way. The Dolphins closed out the game with strong free-throw shooting, finishing the game 31 for 34 from the charity stripe.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-kaiyem-cleary-a28504a455444baab7ecd10c6c71761e|title=Le Moyne Defeats CSU Northridge 80–70|website=The Associated Press|date=November 22, 2023|access-date=November 24, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/story.aspx?filename=mbbCSUN&file_date=11/21/2023|title=Men's Basketball Records First Win over Division I Program, 80–70, over CSUN|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=November 21, 2023|access-date=November 24, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://northeastconference.org/news/2023/11/23/MBB_Release_11_27_23.aspx|title=Northeast Conference Men's Basketball Weekly Release (11/27)|website=Northeast Conference|date=November 27, 2023|access-date=December 5, 2023}}

Kaiyem Cleary scored 43 points on January 27, 2024, to break Le Moyne's single-game individual scoring record, first set on January 7, 1955,{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19550324-01|title=Dolphin Sportlights|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=VIII|issue=9|last=Woythal|first=Thomas|date=March 24, 1955|page=6|access-date=January 11, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1955/01-08/page-10|title=Kenyon Sets Record As LeMoyne Tops St. Joseph's, 94–83|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=10|date=January 8, 1955|access-date=January 30, 2024}} and the Dolphins cruised to an 87–74 victory over LIU. Cleary's 43 points were the most scored by a player in regulation and the third most scored by a player in a single game up to that point in the Division I season. Cleary was 14 for 25 from the floor, including 6 for 10 from beyond the arc, and shot 9 for 9 from the free-throw line. He also led Le Moyne in rebounds with seven and had a pair of blocked shots. With Le Moyne trailing, 46–45, early in the second half, Cleary scored 13 points over six and a half minutes to spark a decisive 20–4 run that put the Dolphins ahead, 65–50.{{cite web|url=https://northeastconference.org/news/2024/1/24/MBB_Release_1_29_24.aspx|title=Northeast Conference Men's Basketball Weekly Release (1/29)|website=Northeast Conference|date=January 29, 2024|access-date=January 30, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/sports/kaiyem-cleary-college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-89d4ea60e4d04821939cccbaa82594e2|title=Kaiyem Cleary Scores Program-Record 43 Points As Le Moyne Takes Down LIU 87–74|website=The Associated Press|date=January 27, 2024|access-date=January 30, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2024/1/27/mbbLIU.aspx|title=Cleary Scores Program-Record 43 in Men's Basketball's 87–74 Victory over LIU|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=January 27, 2024|access-date=January 30, 2024}}

Kaiyem Cleary scored with 45 seconds left in regulation to tie up Le Moyne's home game with Central Connecticut on February 15. After the Blue Devils took a one-point lead in overtime, the Dolphins scored the final six points of the extra session, including a baseline jump shot by Cleary with 1:24 to play that gave Le Moyne the lead for good. Cleary finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots. With the win, Le Moyne clinched a berth in the NEC tournament.{{cite web|url=https://northeastconference.org/news/2024/2/13/MBB_Release_2_19_24.aspx|title=Northeast Conference Men's Basketball Weekly Release (2/19)|website=Northeast Conference|date=February 19, 2024|access-date=February 20, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/sports/college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-kaiyem-cleary-b9f98136ba994b8a863a164ce98eca5b|title=Cleary's 21 Help Le Moyne Down Central Connecticut State 69–64 in OT|website=The Associated Press|date=February 15, 2024|access-date=February 19, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2024/2/15/mbbCCSU2.aspx|title=Men's Basketball Clinches NEC Tournament Berth with 69–64 Overtime Victory over Central Connecticut State|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=February 15, 2024|access-date=February 19, 2024}}

Entering the final day of the regular season, Le Moyne had the opportunity to earn the no. 4 seed in the NEC tournament and home-court advantage in the NEC quarterfinals with a win. If the Dolphins were to lose, the no. 4 seed would go to the winner of the regular-season finale between Fairleigh Dickinson and Wagner scheduled for the same day.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2024/3/2/mens-basketball-closes-out-regular-season-at-saint-francis-with-nec-tournament-seeding-on-the-line.aspx|title=Men's Basketball Closes Out Regular Season at Saint Francis with NEC Tournament Seeding on the Line|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Goldman|first=Zachary|date=March 2, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024}}

Le Moyne claimed the no. 4 seed in the NEC tournament and home-court advantage in the NEC quarterfinals with a 74–58 win at Saint Francis on March 2. Luke Sutherland led the Dolphins with 22 points, shooting 8 for 10 from the field and 3 for 4 from beyond the arc, seven rebounds, a career-high eight assists, two blocked shots and one steal. After the Red Flash took a 3–0 lead, Le Moyne went on a 10–0 run, keyed by five points from Nate McClure, and led the rest of the way.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/sports/mens-college-basketball-college-basketball-1f4359014122443ab8070355e0850132|title=Sutherland Puts Up 22 in Le Moyne's 74–58 Win over Saint Francis (PA)|website=The Associated Press|date=March 2, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2024/3/2/mbbSaintFrancis.aspx|title=Men's Basketball Secures Fourth Seed in NEC Tournament with 74–58 Victory over Saint Francis|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=March 2, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024}}

Kaiyem Cleary was named first-team All-NEC. Luke Sutherland was named to the all-conference second team.{{cite web|url=https://northeastconference.org/documents/2024/3/4//MBB_AllNEC24_List.pdf?id=24403|title=2023–24 Northeast Conference Men's Basketball Award Winners|website=Northeast Conference|date=March 5, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024}}

Powered by Luke Sutherland's 22 points, Le Moyne cruised to an 82–61 wire-to-wire victory over Fairleigh Dickinson in the program's Division I postseason debut on March 6. The Dolphins opened the game with three three-pointers to take a 9–0 lead just 1:45 into the contest.{{cite web|url=https://northeastconference.org/news/2024/2/26/MBB_QF_Recaps_24.aspx|title=#NEC24 Men's Quarterfinal Recaps: Top Seeds CCSU, Merrimack & Le Moyne Prevail, Wagner Pulls Off NEC's First Upset Since 2019|website=Northeast Conference|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/sports/college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-kaiyem-cleary-9ff6b8e48fa94fcaaed9fd8be3974a6b|title=Sutherland's 22 Lead Le Moyne over Fairleigh Dickinson in Northeast Conference Tournament 82–61|website=The Associated Press|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2024/3/6/mbbFDUNECT.aspx|title=Men's Basketball Advances to NEC Semifinals with 82–61 Victory over FDU|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=March 6, 2024|access-date=March 7, 2024}}

After Le Moyne jumped out to an early 13–4 lead in the NEC semifinals on March 9, Merrimack's defense got the Warriors back into the game, and a 19–3 run in the later part of the first half helped them build a 28–20 lead at intermission. The Dolphins cut the deficit to three with 14:47 to play on a put-back by Kaiyem Cleary. The teams traded three-pointers over the next three minutes, until Samba Diallo's layups on consecutive possessions extended Merrimack's lead to seven points. The Dolphins responded with a 6–2 run to get within three points at 40–37 with 8:14 to play. An 8–2 Warriors run gave them a nine-point lead with 6:45 on the clock, but Le Moyne responded with a pair of three-pointers by Luke Sutherland to pull within three again with 5:42 to play. After each team had two empty possessions over the next two minutes, Bryan Etumnu was fouled on a layup and completed the three-point play, sparking a 9–2 Merrimack run that put the game away. The Warriors' 61–51 victory ended the Dolphins' inaugural Division I season. Sutherland had 23 points and eight rebounds for Le Moyne,{{cite web|url=https://northeastconference.org/news/2024/3/7/MBB_SF_Recaps_24.aspx|title=#NEC24 Men's Semifinal Recaps: Defending #NECMBB Champion Merrimack Set to Face Upset-Minded Wagner in Title Game on Tuesday|website=Northeast Conference|date=March 9, 2024|access-date=March 12, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/sports/college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-kaiyem-cleary-35eb0d50cb484191947f0a5a0ff82d13|title=Clark's 24 Lead Merrimack past Le Moyne 61–51 in Northeast Conference Tournament semifinal|website=The Associated Press|date=March 9, 2024|access-date=March 12, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/news/2024/3/9/mbbMerrimackNECT.aspx|title=Men's Basketball Falls to Merrimack in NEC Semifinals, 61–51|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=March 9, 2024|access-date=March 12, 2024}} and he was named to the NEC All-Tournament Team.{{cite web|url=https://northeastconference.org/news/2024/3/12/MBB_CH_Recap_24.aspx|title=BRACKET BUSTERS! Wagner Men's Basketball Runs the Gauntlet & Makes History, Winning Second #NECMBB Crown|website=Northeast Conference|date=March 12, 2024|access-date=March 13, 2024}}

{{For|complete season-by-season results|List of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball seasons}}

In 76 completed seasons through 2024–25, the Dolphins have finished with a winning record 50 times, a losing record 22 times and a .500 record four times.

{{See also|List of Le Moyne Dolphins men's basketball head coaches}}

There have been nine head coaches in the history of Le Moyne men's basketball. The program has played 1,949 games across 76 seasons from the program's inaugural 1948–49 campaign through the end of the 2024–25 season.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/sports/2014/5/29/MBB_0529141121.aspx|title=Men's Basketball Year-by-Year Coaches Records|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|access-date=December 31, 2023}}

Tommy Niland had the longest tenure at Le Moyne, coaching for 25 seasons, and is the all-time leader in games coached (534) and wins (324) at the school.

Patrick Beilein has the highest winning percentage among Le Moyne head coaches with a 77–41 ({{winning percentage|77|41}}) record over four seasons from 2015 to 2019.

The current head coach is Nate Champion, who played for the Dolphins from 2010 to 2014.

During their time in NCAA Division II, the Dolphins were selected to play in the NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament 14 times. They had a combined record of 7–18.

The Dolphins participated in the National Catholic Invitational Tournament twice. They had a combined record of 4–2.

The Dolphins participated in the Utica Optimist Club Invitational Tournament three times. They had a combined record of 6–0, winning the tournament each time they participated.

The NCAA began seeding the Division II tournament with the 1988 edition.

;Note

{{notelist|group=seeds}}

Between 1958 and 1987, the NCAA chose eight or nine schools as hosts for the College Division/Division II regionals. These teams played their regional semifinal games and (if they won) their regional final (Sweet 16) games at home during years the tournament included 32 teams. In some years, there were 36 teams with seven regions having four teams and one region having eight teams. In eight-team regions, the host school might have played as many as three tournament games at home, if it was designated as being in the section given home-court advantage for the regional final. A host school effectively had the privileges of what would later be identified as a no. 1 seed. However, factors such as availability and quality of facilities, expected fan support and travel arrangements entered into the choice of a host school. By the 1980s, the four teams in each region, including the top seed, each submitted competing bids to the NCAA for the right to host, which meant the fourth-seeded team in the region could be selected to play at home. In addition, teams generally played in regions that reflected the locations of the schools. Therefore, if the two best teams in the College Division or Division II were near each other, it is likely only one of them would be selected to host. Thus, the hosts were not necessarily the top eight teams. Nevertheless, Le Moyne was one of the eight host schools for the 1965 and 1969 NCAA tournaments.

The 1966 NCAA tournament included 36 schools, four more than the previous season. Seven of the eight regions had four teams as had previously been the norm. The Northeast Region had eight teams divided into two sections. Le Moyne was selected to host the four games in Section B of the Northeast Region. However, as of the time Le Moyne was chosen as a host, the Dolphins had not yet been extended a bid to play in the tournament. Le Moyne agreed to host regardless of whether it was participating. The Section A winner had the right to host the regional final,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/massachusetts/north-adams/north-adams-transcript/1966/03-03/page-17|title=Springfield Teams Out of Tournament|newspaper=North Adams Transcript|location=North Adams, Massachusetts|page=16|date=March 3, 1966|access-date=January 31, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19660301-01|title=Sidelines|newspaper=The Dolphin|last=O'Connor|first=Tom|page=2|date=March 1, 1966|access-date=February 7, 2024}} meaning Le Moyne, which ultimately did receive a tournament bid, would have played the regional final on the road had they advanced that far. This effectively treated Le Moyne as the no. 2 seed in the region. However, none of the no. 2 seeds in the other seven regions played at home. Since Le Moyne was placed in an eight-team region, it would have needed to win one more game than all 28 teams in four-team regions to reach the national quarterfinals, which makes the extra game similar to a play-in game such as the First Four in the present-day Division I tournament.

Starting with Le Moyne's inaugural 1948–49 season through the end of the 1955–56 campaign, the final season before the NCAA split into the University Division and the College Division, the Dolphins were classified by the Associated Press (AP) as a small-college (non-major) program. During that time, Le Moyne played 59 games against major programs, as classified by the AP. The results of such games are shown in the table below.

{{sticky header}}

On several occasions, the Dolphins, playing as a College Division or Division II team, recorded victories over University Division or Division I teams. Le Moyne played 58 such games, going 29–29, and won at least one in each of their first 13 seasons as a College Division program, beginning with the NCAA's split into divisions for the 1956–57 season through the end of the 1968–69 season. Details of games played against Division I/University Division opponents are shown in the table below.

{{sticky header}}

{{Infobox sports rivalry

| wide = yes

| name = Le Moyne–Siena

| image =

| image_size =

| caption =

| city_or_region = Upstate New York

| team1 = Le Moyne Dolphins

| team1logo = Lemoyne dolphins wordmark 2008.png

| team2 = Siena Saints

| team2logo = Siena Saints wordmark.svg

| sport = Men's basketball

| firstmeeting = December 7, 1948
Siena 41, Le Moyne 39

| mostrecent = December 28, 1992
Siena 83, Le Moyne 56

| nextmeeting =

| total = 62

| series = Le Moyne leads, 39–23

| largestvictory = Siena, 91–52 (December 3, 1988)

| longeststreak = Le Moyne, 8
(March 1, 1958 – December 9, 1961)

| currentstreak = Siena, 6

| trophy =

}}

Before the Dolphins had ever played a varsity basketball game, Siena was identified as Le Moyne's chief rival. "BEAT SIENA!" was the front-page headline of the school newspaper on November 24, 1948, 13 days before the Dolphins' inaugural varsity game, scheduled to be played at home against Siena.{{rp|1}} A pep rally was held the night before the game and attended by the team, the head coach, the athletic director and, of course, the cheerleaders. Those organizing the rally had someone dressed as an Indian, Siena's team nickname at the time, appear to be tossed into the bonfire and burned. The rivalry was acknowledged by Siena shortly after the teams began playing,{{cite news|url=https://cdm15739.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/SienaNP01/id/3671/rec/278|title=LeMoyne Tough Foe for Siena|newspaper=The Siena News|page=5|date=November 21, 1951|access-date=January 31, 2024}} perhaps, in part, because the teams met in the 1951 National Catholic Invitational Tournament (NCIT).

Siena won the first-ever matchup, 41–39, on December 7, 1948, and went on to take the first five games between the teams, the fourth and fifth of which went to overtime, before Le Moyne broke through with a win at home followed by another victory in the NCIT, which was played on Siena's home court.

On March 5, 1955, in Syracuse, a fistfight between Le Moyne's Dan Cavellier and Siena's Tim Hill with two minutes to play in the game between the two teams resulted in the ejection of both players.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1955/03-06/page-60|title=Lemoyne Cagers Trim Siena, 78–62|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=March 6, 1955|page=55|access-date=May 23, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://siena.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/SienaNP01/id/3520/rec/373|title=Roaming with Reiner|newspaper=The Siena News|last=Reiner|first=Bob|volume=XVI|issue=19|date=March 11, 1955|page=4|access-date=June 8, 2024}}

In preparation for the Dolphins' December 1, 1956 season opener at Siena, a 20-car motorcade from Syracuse to Albany was organized to transport Le Moyne supporters to the game, and plans were made to have a Le Moyne cheerleader dressed as a deceased Siena Indian and carried into the arena in a funeral procession with the pep band playing a dirge.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1956/12-01/page-6|title='Rocket' Float is Best at LeMoyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=6|date=December 1, 1956|access-date=May 26, 2024}}

Despite the heated rivalry between the two schools, when Siena head coach Dan Cunha resigned after the 1959–60 season,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/troy/troy-times-record/1960/06-03/page-23|title=Dan Cunha Resigns As Siena Basketball Coach|newspaper=The Times Record|location=Troy, New York|date=June 3, 1960|page=23|access-date=June 10, 2024}} Le Moyne head coach Tommy Niland remarked that he regarded Cunha as a very good friend who was a fine coach and would be hard to replace.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1960/06-05/page-93|title=Keeping Posted|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Bill|date=June 5, 1960|page=35|access-date=June 10, 2024}} Cunha withdrew his resignation in July 1960,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/troy/troy-record/1960/07-14/page-33|title=Siena's Cunha Changes Mind, Will Remain|newspaper=The Troy Record|date=July 14, 1960|page=33|access-date=June 10, 2024}} and was 1961 MECAA coach of the year.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/troy/troy-times-record/1961/03-17/page-23|title=Siena's Cunha Chosen MECCA [sic] 'Coach of Year'|newspaper=The Times Record|location=Troy, New York|date=March 17, 1961|page=23|access-date=June 17, 2024}}

After Le Moyne's Gary DeYulia felt he was unnecessarily shoved out of bounds in the NCAA tournament-bound Dolphins' regular-season finale in DeWitt against Siena on February 28, 1965, a brief melee broke out between the rival teams, and a Siena player was promptly slammed to the floor by a Dolphin. It appeared it might spread into the stands where the Siena fans were sitting, but cooler heads quickly prevailed.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1965/03-01/page-12|title=LeMoyne Beats Siena Cagers to Earn Title Share|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|pages=12, 14|date=March 1, 1965|access-date=January 30, 2024}} The behavior of the Le Moyne players and fans in connection with the melee was criticized in Siena's school newspaper.{{cite news|url=https://cdm15739.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/SienaNP01/id/4637/rec/635|title=Tepee Tidbits|newspaper=Siena News|last=Tynan|first=Bill|page=6|date=March 12, 1965|access-date=January 30, 2024}}

After 21 seasons as Siena's head basketball coach, Dan Cunha resigned for a second time in July 1965.{{cite news|url=https://wwww.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/troy/troy-record/1965/07-08/page-37|title=Cunha Quits As Siena Coach|newspaper=The Troy Record|last=Micozzi|first=Angelo|page=37|date=July 8, 1965|access-date=April 21, 2024}} Four months later, Cunha was hired as Le Moyne's new dean of men, a position with no athletic duties.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/troy/troy-record/1965/11-03/page-18|title=Cunha Takes Dean's Post at LeMoyne|newspaper=The Troy Record|page=18|date=November 3, 195|access-date=April 21, 2024}}

In 1976, Siena reclassified to Division I, while Le Moyne remained a Division II program. Despite Siena's move, there were plans for Siena to play at Le Moyne on January 15, 1977, and for the Dolphins to continue their series with their archrivals, reduced to one game per season. However, Siena notified Le Moyne in September 1976, that it would be unable to keep its commitment for that date. Le Moyne had no open dates on which a game with Siena could be scheduled.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1976/09-03/page-17|title=Siena Drops Dolphin Cagers|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kerr|first=Neil|date=September 30, 1976|page=17|access-date=July 25, 2024}} As a result, the two teams did not meet during the 1976–77 season, ending their annual series which started in the 1948–49 season, with the first varsity game Le Moyne ever played. The teams did not meet again for 11 years.

Le Moyne and Siena played one game annually between the 1987–88 and 1992–93 seasons, and Siena won all six of those contests. Le Moyne's 2023 reclassification to Division I creates the possibility that this rivalry may be rekindled. It has been {{age|1992|12|28}} years since the teams last met in an official game. The Dolphins defeated Siena, 73–71, in an exhibition game in November 2017, at Loudonville.{{cite web|url=https://sienasaints.com/story.aspx?filename=Le_Moyne_Edges_Saints_in_Exhibition_Action&file_date=11/4/2017|title=Le Moyne Edges Saints in Exhibition Action|website=Siena Saints|date=November 4, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.syracuse.com/college-sports/2017/11/le_moyne_mens_basketball_knocks_off_division-i_siena_73-71_in_exhibition.html|title=Le Moyne Men's Basketball Knocks Off Division-I Siena, 73–71, in Exhibition|website=Syracuse.com|last=Lane|first=Craig|date=November 5, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2024}}

{{Sports rivalry series table

| format = compact | cols = 1 | series_summary = yes

| team1 = Le Moyne

| team1style = {{NCAA color cell|Le Moyne Dolphins}}

| team2 = Siena

| team2style = {{NCAA color cell|Siena Saints}}

| sortable = y

| legend_tie_text =

|December 7, 1948|Geddes|Siena|41|Le Moyne|39

|January 29, 1949|Loudonville|Siena|53|Le Moyne|31

|November 24, 1949|Albany|Siena|46|Le Moyne|31

|February 15, 1950|Geddes|Siena|60|Le Moyne|56^OT

|November 23, 1950|Albany|Siena|70|Le Moyne|68^2OT

|December 30, 1950|Geddes|Le Moyne|53|Siena|47

|March 14, 1951|Albany{{dagger}}|Le Moyne|57|Siena|53

|November 22, 1951|Albany|Siena|62|Le Moyne|41

|January 18, 1952|Syracuse|Le Moyne|53|Siena|51

|November 27, 1952|Albany|Siena|53|Le Moyne|49

|February 24, 1953|Syracuse|Le Moyne|68|Siena|65

|December 5, 1953|Albany|Le Moyne|60|Siena|40

|March 6, 1954|Syracuse|Siena|63|Le Moyne|55

|January 1, 1955|Albany|Le Moyne|64|Siena|60

|March 5, 1955|Syracuse|Le Moyne|78|Siena|62

|December 1, 1955|Albany|Le Moyne|78|Siena|71

|March 2, 1956|Syracuse|Le Moyne|82|Siena|59

|December 1, 1956|Albany|Le Moyne|74|Siena|41

|January 19, 1957|Syracuse|Le Moyne|68|Siena|59

|December 21, 1957|Albany|Siena|78|Le Moyne|72

|March 1, 1958|Syracuse|Le Moyne|58|Siena|50

|December 20, 1958|Albany|Le Moyne|66|Siena|65^OT

|February 28, 1959|Syracuse|Le Moyne|60|Siena|59

|December 7, 1959|Albany|Le Moyne|60|Siena|46

|February 27, 1960|Syracuse|Le Moyne|61|Siena|48

|December 10, 1960|Loudonville|Le Moyne|49|Siena|45

|February 25, 1961|Syracuse|Le Moyne|48|Siena|45

|December 9, 1961|Loudonville|Le Moyne|56|Siena|48

|February 24, 1962|Syracuse|Siena|64|Le Moyne|57

|December 1, 1962|DeWitt|Le Moyne|43|Siena|41

|February 16, 1963|Loudonville|Siena|50|Le Moyne|49

|February 8, 1964|Loudonville|Le Moyne|54|Siena|46

|January 30, 1965|Loudonville|Le Moyne|70|Siena|65

|February 28, 1965|DeWitt|Le Moyne|58|Siena|48

|January 8, 1966|Loudonville|Le Moyne|85|Siena|74

|March 5, 1966|DeWitt|Le Moyne|88|Siena|72

|January 14, 1967|Loudonville|Le Moyne|65|Siena|63

|March 4, 1967|DeWitt|Siena|61|Le Moyne|60

|December 16, 1967|Loudonville|Le Moyne|101|Siena|89

|March 2, 1968|DeWitt|Le Moyne|82|Siena|70

|December 19, 1968|DeWitt|Le Moyne|92|Siena|73

|March 1, 1969|Loudonville|Le Moyne|85|Siena|74

|January 21, 1970|Loudonville|Le Moyne|87|Siena|74

|March 7, 1970|DeWitt|Le Moyne|84|Siena|77

|January 20, 1971|DeWitt|Le Moyne|82|Siena|57

|March 6, 1971|Albany|Siena|77|Le Moyne|72

|January 29, 1972|Loudonville|Le Moyne|72|Siena|67

|March 4, 1972|DeWitt|Le Moyne|74|Siena|70

|January 27, 1973|DeWitt|Le Moyne|87|Siena|72

|March 3, 1973|Albany|Siena|65|Le Moyne|61

|January 26, 1974|Albany|Siena|101|Le Moyne|79

|March 2, 1974|DeWitt|Le Moyne|87|Siena|81

|January 25, 1975|DeWitt|Le Moyne|73|Siena|67

|March 1, 1975|Loudonville|Siena|92|Le Moyne|74

|January 24, 1976|Loudonville|Siena|79|Le Moyne|68

|March 4, 1976|DeWitt|Le Moyne|81|Siena|77

|December 5, 1987|Loudonville|Siena|75|Le Moyne|70

|December 3, 1988|DeWitt|Siena|91|Le Moyne|52

|February 26, 1990|Loudonville|Siena|90|Le Moyne|76

|February 14, 1991|DeWitt|Siena|88|Le Moyne|75

|December 4, 1991|Loudonville|Siena|81|Le Moyne|62

|December 28, 1992|Loudonville|Siena|83|Le Moyne|56

| note = {{dagger}} = National Catholic Invitational Tournament
Source:{{cite web|title=Siena Basketball Record Book|publisher=Siena College|year=2022|url=https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/sienasaints.com/documents/2022/11/9/Mens-Basketball-RB-21-22Season.pdf|access-date=January 19, 2024}}}}

In 1964, Le Moyne began hosting an annual four-team Christmas invitational tournament. It was held each December through 1975, except for 1972. Le Moyne hosted tournaments in January 1984 and January and December 1985, branded as the Matt's Premium Classic for sponsorship reasons. Tournaments hosted by Le Moyne in December 1986 through 1990, were branded as the Coca-Cola Classic. The 1991 through 1993 tournaments were called the Coca-Cola/Holiday Inn Carrier Circle Classic. After a five-year hiatus, a new multi-team showcase event branded the Holiday Inn Invitational was hosted by Le Moyne in 1999. The tournament format returned in 2000, and the event was called the Holiday Inn Carrier Circle Classic. The 2001, 2002 and 2005 tournaments were called the Le Moyne College Holiday Tournament. Results of these events are shown below.

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1964/12-30/page-24|title=LeMoyne, St. Michael's Win Opening Games|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|pages=12–13|date=December 30, 1964|access-date=January 28, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 30

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 29

| RD3 = Championship
December 30

| RD1-team1 = Oswego State

| RD1-score1 = 59

| RD1-team2 = Buffalo

| RD1-score2 = 88

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 81

| RD2-team2 = Oswego State

| RD2-score2 = 64

| RD2-team3 = Buffalo

| RD2-score3 = 86

| RD2-team4 = Saint Michael's

| RD2-score4 = 93

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 68

| RD3-team2 = Saint Michael's

| RD3-score2 = 66

}}

Gary DeYulia of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1965/12-30/page-14|title=Lemoyne in Finals against Hartwick|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Snyder|first=Bob|page=14|date=December 30, 1965|access-date=February 7, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 30

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 29

| RD3 = Championship
December 30

| RD1-team1 = Kenyon

| RD1-score1 = 72

| RD1-team2 = Southwest Texas State

| RD1-score2 = 97

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 84

| RD2-team2 = Kenyon

| RD2-score2 = 73

| RD2-team3 = Hartwick

| RD2-score3 = 81

| RD2-team4 = Southwest Texas State

| RD2-score4 = 63

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 53

| RD3-team2 = Hartwick

| RD3-score2 = 52

}}

Dan Parham of Hartwick was named most valuable player.

References:

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 29

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 28

| RD3 = Championship
December 29

| RD1-team1 = Maine

| RD1-score1 = 67

| RD1-team2 = Lafayette

| RD1-score2 = 62

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 85

| RD2-team2 = Maine

| RD2-score2 = 74

| RD2-team3 = Iona

| RD2-score3 = 66

| RD2-team4 = Lafayette

| RD2-score4 = 58

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 45

| RD3-team2 = Iona

| RD3-score2 = 59

}}

Bob La Russo of Iona was named most valuable player.

The All-Tournament team selected by members of the media covering the tournament included:

• Bob La Russo, Iona
• Bob McMahon, Iona
• Gerry McDermott, Le Moyne
• Terry Carr, Maine
• Bob Kiriloff, Lafayette

References:

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 29

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 28

| RD3 = Championship
December 29

| RD1-team1 = Vermont

| RD1-score1 = 66

| RD1-team2 = St. Francis (NY)

| RD1-score2 = 72

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 95

| RD2-team2 = Vermont

| RD2-score2 = 74

| RD2-team3 = Bucknell

| RD2-score3 = 84

| RD2-team4 = St. Francis (NY)

| RD2-score4 = 81

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 78^OT

| RD3-team2 = Bucknell

| RD3-score2 = 74

}}

Gerry McDermott of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The All-Tournament team selected by members of the media covering the tournament included:

• Gerry McDermott, Le Moyne
• Ed Farver, Bucknell
• Tom Schneider, Bucknell
• Doug Smith, St. Francis (NY)
• Dave Lapointe, Vermont

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1968/12-30/page-21|title=Le Moyne Turns to St. Francis Game|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=21|date=December 30, 1968|access-date=May 2, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 28

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 27

| RD3 = Championship
December 28

| RD1-team1 = Steubenville

| RD1-score1 = 43

| RD1-team2 = Saint Michael's

| RD1-score2 = 62

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 101

| RD2-team2 = Steubenville

| RD2-score2 = 81

| RD2-team3 = Wagner

| RD2-score3 = 67

| RD2-team4 = Saint Michael's

| RD2-score4 = 62

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 81

| RD3-team2 = Wagner

| RD3-score2 = 91

}}

Ray Hodge of Wagner was named most valuable player.

The tournament All-Star team selected by members of the media covering the tournament included:

• Ray Hodge, Wagner
• Bill Wolfe, Wagner
• Chuck Brady, Le Moyne
• Jay Cody, Saint Michael's
• Pat Mulligan, Steubenville

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1969/12-30/page-12|title=Albany of Georgia Beats Host LeMoyne, 82–79|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=December 30, 1969|page=13|access-date=May 7, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1969/12-31/page-11|title=SU Bows to Davidson; Assumption Beats Albany: Le Moyne Rolls over Hartwick|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=December 31, 1969|page=11|access-date=May 7, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 30

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 29

| RD3 = Championship
December 30

| RD1-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD1-score1 = 103

| RD1-team2 = Hartwick

| RD1-score2 = 79

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 69

| RD2-team2 = Albany State (GA)

| RD2-score2 = 82

| RD2-team3 = Assumption

| RD2-score3 = 107

| RD2-team4 = Hartwick

| RD2-score4 = 91

| RD3-team1 = Albany State (GA)

| RD3-score1 = 83

| RD3-team2 = Assumption

| RD3-score2 = 99

}}

Jake Jones of Assumption was named most valuable player.

The tournament All-Star team selected by members of the media covering the tournament included:

• Jake Jones, Assumption
• Sam Small, Assumption
• Serge DeBari, Assumption
• Clarence Ellis, Albany State (GA)
• Phil Harlow, Le Moyne

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1970/12-30/page-12|title=Host LeMoyne, Lafayette Reach Tourney Final|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Ed|date=December 30, 1970|page=12|access-date=July 9, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 30

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 29

| RD3 = Championship
December 30

| RD1-team1 = Hobart

| RD1-score1 = 57

| RD1-team2 = Boston University

| RD1-score2 = 63

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 78

| RD2-team2 = Hobart

| RD2-score2 = 71

| RD2-team3 = Lafayette

| RD2-score3 = 86

| RD2-team4 = Boston University

| RD2-score4 = 61

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 75

| RD3-team2 = Lafayette

| RD3-score2 = 89

}}

Tracy Tripucka of Lafayette was named most valuable player.

The tournament All-Star team selected by members of the media covering the tournament included:

• Tracy Tripucka, Lafayette
• Ron Moyer, Lafayette
• Jay Mottola, Lafayette
• Phil Harlow, Le Moyne
• Dan Brandt, Le Moyne

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1971/12-29/page-29|title=LeMoyne and NH Winners|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Reddy|first=Bill|date=December 29, 1971|page=29|access-date=July 9, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 29

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 28

| RD3 = Championship
December 29

| RD1-team1 = Alfred

| RD1-score1 = 51

| RD1-team2 = Ohio Wesleyan

| RD1-score2 = 75

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 95

| RD2-team2 = Alfred

| RD2-score2 = 56

| RD2-team3 = New Hampshire

| RD2-score3 = 60

| RD2-team4 = Ohio Wesleyan

| RD2-score4 = 57

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 61

| RD3-team2 = New Hampshire

| RD3-score2 = 58

}}

Phil Harlow of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The tournament All-Star team selected by members of the media covering the tournament included:

• Phil Harlow, Le Moyne
• Rick May, Le Moyne
• Dave Pemberton, New Hampshire
• Erie Feragne, New Hampshire
• Jackie Brown, Ohio Wesleyan

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1973/12-29/page-9|title=LeMoyne and Potsdam Reach Tourney Final|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Holdridge|first=Mike|date=December 29, 1973|page=9|access-date=July 17, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1973/12-31/page-13|title=Le Moyne Unbowed by Tourney Setback|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Holdridge|first=Mike|date=December 31, 1973|page=13|access-date=July 17, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 29

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 28

| RD3 = Championship
December 29

| RD1-team1 = Hamilton

| RD1-score1 = 78

| RD1-team2 = Catholic

| RD1-score2 = 90

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 95

| RD2-team2 = Hamilton

| RD2-score2 = 68

| RD2-team3 = Potsdam State

| RD2-score3 = 72

| RD2-team4 = Catholic

| RD2-score4 = 62

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 74

| RD3-team2 = Potsdam State

| RD3-score2 = 78

}}

Ted Bence of Potsdam State was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Ted Bence, Potsdam State
• Mike Deane, Potsdam State
• Bob Braunitzer, Le Moyne
• Rick May, Le Moyne
• Mark Badger, Hamilton

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1974/12-28/page-11|title=Le Moyne Wins, Orange Falls in Openers: Hogan Hits 23 Points|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Batzold|first=Tom|date=December 28, 1974|page=11|access-date=July 19, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1974/12-30/page-20|title=Ailing Dolphins Bow|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Holdridge|first=Mike|date=December 30, 1974|page=20|access-date=July 19, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 28

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 27

| RD3 = Championship
December 28

| RD1-team1 = Muhlenberg

| RD1-score1 = 86

| RD1-team2 = Saint Michael's

| RD1-score2 = 92

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 78

| RD2-team2 = Muhlenberg

| RD2-score2 = 68

| RD2-team3 = Hartwick

| RD2-score3 = 100

| RD2-team4 = Saint Michael's

| RD2-score4 = 70

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 57

| RD3-team2 = Hartwick

| RD3-score2 = 69

}}

Reggie Rothwell of Hartwick was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Reggie Rothwell, Hartwick
• Bill Martin, Hartwick
• Pete Hogan, Le Moyne
• John Lauer, Le Moyne
• Ken Johnson, Saint Michael's

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1975/12-30/page-16|title=Le Moyne, Bloomsburg in Tourney Finals|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Holdridge|first=Mike|date=December 30, 1975|page=17|access-date=July 22, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1975/12-31/page-11|title=Dolphins Cop Tourney Title|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Holdridge|first=Mike|date=December 31, 1975|page=11|access-date=July 22, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 30

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 29

| RD3 = Championship
December 30

| RD1-team1 = Lincoln (PA)

| RD1-score1 = 69

| RD1-team2 = Quinnipiac

| RD1-score2 = 74

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 91

| RD2-team2 = Lincoln (PA)

| RD2-score2 = 68

| RD2-team3 = Bloomsburg State

| RD2-score3 = 90

| RD2-team4 = Quinnipiac

| RD2-score4 = 80

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 81

| RD3-team2 = Bloomsburg State

| RD3-score2 = 69

}}

John Lauer of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• John Lauer, Le Moyne
• Gary Jackson, Le Moyne
• Jerry Radocha, Bloomsburg State
• Harold Driver, Quinnipiac
• Isaac Cahoe, Lincoln (PA)

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1984/01-11/page-23|title=Reserves Lift Dolphins past Clippers 78–61|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|department=section C|last=Wallinger|first=Mark|date=January 11, 1984|pages=C-1, C-4|access-date=August 21, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1984/01-12/page-125|title=Mansfield Handles Le Moyne|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|department=section C|last=Wallinger|first=Mark|date=January 12, 1984|pages=C-1, C-5|access-date=August 21, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
January 11

| RD2 = Semifinals
January 10

| RD3 = Championship
January 11

| RD1-team1 = Concordia (NY)

| RD1-score1 = 70

| RD1-team2 = C.W. Post

| RD1-score2 = 79

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 78

| RD2-team2 = Concordia (NY)

| RD2-score2 = 61

| RD2-team3 = Mansfield

| RD2-score3 = 56

| RD2-team4 = C.W. Post

| RD2-score4 = 55

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 58

| RD3-team2 = Mansfield

| RD3-score2 = 85

}}

Craig Cooley of Mansfield was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Craig Cooley, Mansfield
• Gerard Conyers, Mansfield
• James Henderson, Le Moyne
• Bobby Chestnut, Le Moyne
• Mike Clark, C.W. Post
• Keith Brown, Concordia (NY)

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1985/01-05/page-29|title=Piscopo's Spark Gets Le Moyne into Final|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Wallinger|first=Mark|date=January 5, 1985|pages=D-1, D-3|access-date=August 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-american/1985/01-06/page-56|title=Dolphins Surge in 2nd Half|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Bonnell|first=Rick|date=January 6, 1985|page=E-12|access-date=August 25, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
January 5

| RD2 = Semifinals
January 4

| RD3 = Championship
January 5

| RD1-team1 = Queens

| RD1-score1 = 64

| RD1-team2 = Quinnipiac

| RD1-score2 = 63

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 56

| RD2-team2 = Queens

| RD2-score2 = 50

| RD2-team3 = Clarion

| RD2-score3 = 61

| RD2-team4 = Quinnipiac

| RD2-score4 = 57

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 65

| RD3-team2 = Clarion

| RD3-score2 = 55

}}

Wright Lassiter of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1985/12-14/page-33|title=Dolphins Dominate Setters|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Knobel|first=Andy|date=December 14, 1985|pages=D-1, D-8|access-date=August 27, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 14

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 13

| RD3 = Championship
December 14

| RD1-team1 = Pace

| RD1-score1 = 57

| RD1-team2 = C.W. Post

| RD1-score2 = 81

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 83

| RD2-team2 = Pace

| RD2-score2 = 48

| RD2-team3 = Slippery Rock

| RD2-score3 = 75

| RD2-team4 = C.W. Post

| RD2-score4 = 64

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 74

| RD3-team2 = Slippery Rock

| RD3-score2 = 67

}}

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1986/12-13/page-37|title=Le Moyne Coasts into Final|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Vecchio|first=Valerie|date=December 13, 1986|pages=D-1, D-3|access-date=September 1, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1986/12-14/page-48|title=Le Moyne Just Misses|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=December 14, 1986|pages=E-1, E-4|access-date=September 1, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/maryland/frederick/news/1986/12-13/page-15|title=Edwards Leads MSM over Lock Haven|newspaper=The Frederick News-Post|date=December 13, 1986|page=B-2|access-date=September 1, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 13

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 12

| RD3 = Championship
December 13

| RD1-team1 = Bloomfield

| RD1-score1 = 59

| RD1-team2 = Lock Haven

| RD1-score2 = 82

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 78

| RD2-team2 = Bloomfield

| RD2-score2 = 56

| RD2-team3 = Mount St. Mary's

| RD2-score3 = 95

| RD2-team4 = Lock Haven

| RD2-score4 = 90

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 74

| RD3-team2 = Mount St. Mary's

| RD3-score2 = 75

}}

Paul Edwards of Mount St. Mary's was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Paul Edwards, Mount St. Mary's
• Mark Scallion, Mount St. Mary's
• John Moore, Mount St. Mary's
• James Henderson, Le Moyne
• Scott Hicks, Le Moyne
• Jeff Null, Lock Haven

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1987/12-12/page-43|title=It's Le Moyne, Keene St. in Coca Cola Classic Final|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Vecchio|first=Valerie|date=December 12, 1987|pages=D-1, D-5|access-date=September 25, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1987/12-13/page-44|title=Dolphins Rout Keene, Win Tourney|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=December 13, 1987|page=D-4|access-date=September 25, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 12

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 11

| RD3 = Championship
December 12

| RD1-team1 = Southampton

| RD1-score1 = 56

| RD1-team2 = Mansfield

| RD1-score2 = 85

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 87

| RD2-team2 = Southampton

| RD2-score2 = 77

| RD2-team3 = Keene State

| RD2-score3 = 91

| RD2-team4 = Mansfield

| RD2-score4 = 84

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 92

| RD3-team2 = Keene State

| RD3-score2 = 60

}}

Pete Jerebko of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Pete Jerebko, Le Moyne
• Scott Hicks, Le Moyne
• Russell Barnes, Le Moyne
• Steve Kaufman, Keene State
• Garrett Broderick, Mansfield
• Daryl Cambrelen, Southampton

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1988/12-10/page-23|title=Tough Defense Propels Dolphins|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=December 10, 1988|pages=C-1, C-3|access-date=October 27, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1988/12-11/page-49|title=Dolphins Capture Tourney|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Wisnia|first=Saul|date=December 11, 1988|page=E-5|access-date=October 27, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 10

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 9

| RD3 = Championship
December 10

| RD1-team1 = Dowling

| RD1-score1 = 71

| RD1-team2 = Lowell

| RD1-score2 = 90

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 84

| RD2-team2 = Dowling

| RD2-score2 = 70

| RD2-team3 = Cheyney

| RD2-score3 = 69

| RD2-team4 = Lowell

| RD2-score4 = 52

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 65

| RD3-team2 = Cheyney

| RD3-score2 = 64

}}

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1989/12-09/page-39|title=Le Moyne Sets Up Final with Power|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=December 9, 1989|pages=E-1, E-5|access-date=November 4, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1989/12-10/page-35|title=Dolphins Break Sacred Heart|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=December 10, 1989|pages=D-1 D-4|access-date=November 4, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1989/12-09/page-43|title=Williams Leads Sacred Heart in Rout|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=December 9, 1989|page=E-5|access-date=November 4, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 9

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 8

| RD3 = Championship
December 9

| RD1-team1 = Davis & Elkins

| RD1-score1 = 79

| RD1-team2 = California (PA)

| RD1-score2 = 100

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 87

| RD2-team2 = Davis & Elkins

| RD2-score2 = 34

| RD2-team3 = Sacred Heart

| RD2-score3 = 83

| RD2-team4 = California (PA)

| RD2-score4 = 67

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 80

| RD3-team2 = Sacred Heart

| RD3-score2 = 72

}}

Len Rauch of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Len Rauch, Le Moyne
• Julius Edwards, Le Moyne
• Todd Williams, Sacred Heart
• Sean Williams, Sacred Heart
• Timmy Brown, California (PA)

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1990/12-08/page-37|title=Le Moyne Runs Away, Reaching Tourney Final|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Kramer|first=Lindsay|date=December 8, 1990|page=E-3|access-date=December 21, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1990/12-09/page-206|title=Dolphins Display Will to Win in Tourney|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=December 9, 1990|page=E-7|access-date=December 21, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 8

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 7

| RD3 = Championship
December 8

| RD1-team1 = Southampton

| RD1-score1 = 74

| RD1-team2 = Wheeling Jesuit

| RD1-score2 = 62

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 81

| RD2-team2 = Southampton

| RD2-score2 = 67

| RD2-team3 = West Chester

| RD2-score3 = 84

| RD2-team4 = Wheeling Jesuit

| RD2-score4 = 66

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 72

| RD3-team2 = West Chester

| RD3-score2 = 65

}}

Tom Herhusky of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Tom Herhusky, Le Moyne
• Len Rauch, Le Moyne
• Jon Traywick, West Chester
• Jasen Holness, Southampton
• Dave Ealy, Wheeling Jesuit

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1991/12-07/page-15|title=Dolphins Cruise into Finals|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=December 7, 1991|page=B-1|access-date=December 27, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1991/12-08/page-50|title=Le Moyne Captures a Classic of Its Own|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=December 8, 1991|page=E-7|access-date=December 27, 2024}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 7

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 6

| RD3 = Championship
December 7

| RD1-team1 = Queens

| RD1-score1 = 69

| RD1-team2 = Keene State

| RD1-score2 = 56

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 90

| RD2-team2 = Queens

| RD2-score2 = 50

| RD2-team3 = Mansfield

| RD2-score3 = 76

| RD2-team4 = Keene State

| RD2-score4 = 64

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 92

| RD3-team2 = Mansfield

| RD3-score2 = 69

}}

Tom Herhusky of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Tom Herhusky, Le Moyne
• John Haas, Le Moyne
• Barry Page, Mansfield
• Cory Wright, Queens
• Brian Nash, Keene State

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1992/12-12/page-24|title=Dolphins Dominate, Advance to Final|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=December 12, 1992|page=C-4|access-date=January 9, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1992/12-13/page-59|title=Five Dolphins See Double in Classic Win|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Conroe|first=Scott|date=December 13, 1992|page=F-5|access-date=January 9, 2025}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 12

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 11

| RD3 = Championship
December 12

| RD1-team1 = Hilbert

| RD1-score1 = 76

| RD1-team2 = Kutztown

| RD1-score2 = 67

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 84

| RD2-team2 = Hilbert

| RD2-score2 = 51

| RD2-team3 = Pitt-Johnstown

| RD2-score3 = 84

| RD2-team4 = Kutztown

| RD2-score4 = 83

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 90

| RD3-team2 = Pitt-Johnstown

| RD3-score2 = 75

}}

Mike Montesano of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Mike Montesano, Le Moyne
• Christian Buchholz, Le Moyne
• Derrick Myers, Pitt-Johnstown
• Kareem Allen, Hilbert
• Lock Jennings, Kutztown

References: {{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1993/12-11/page-37|title=LeMoyne Empties Bench in Easy 1st-Round Win|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|last=Hayes|first=Marcus|date=December 11, 1993|pages=B-1, B-3|access-date=January 16, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1993/12-12/page-40|title=Sandel Leads Le Moyne to Tournament Title|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|last=Hayes|first=Marcus|date=December 12, 1993|page=D-6|access-date=January 16, 2025}}

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 11

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 10

| RD3 = Championship
December 11

| RD1-team1 = Mount Saint Mary (NY)

| RD1-score1 = 72

| RD1-team2 = RPI

| RD1-score2 = 85

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 97

| RD2-team2 = Mount Saint Mary (NY)

| RD2-score2 = 56

| RD2-team3 = Mercyhurst

| RD2-score3 = 79

| RD2-team4 = RPI

| RD2-score4 = 74

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 90

| RD3-team2 = Mercyhurst

| RD3-score2 = 81

}}

Dan Sandel of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Dan Sandel, Le Moyne
• Andre Dearing, Le Moyne
• Joe Girard, Le Moyne
• Rashe Reviere, Mercyhurst
• Mauro Oliva, RPI

References:

{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}}

{{#invoke:bracket|2TeamBracket|compact=n|seeds=n

| RD1=December 29

| RD1-team1=Saint Michael's

| RD1-score1=85

| RD1-team2={{nowrap|Roberts Wesleyan}}

| RD1-score2=69

}}

{{col-2}}

{{#invoke:bracket|2TeamBracket|compact=n|seeds=n

| RD1=December 29

| RD1-team1=Le Moyne

| RD1-score1= 101

| RD1-team2=Southampton

| RD1-score2=87

}}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}}

{{#invoke:bracket|2TeamBracket|compact=n|seeds=n

| RD1=December 30

| RD1-team1=Saint Michael's

| RD1-score1=94

| RD1-team2=Southampton

| RD1-score2=74

}}

{{col-2}}

{{#invoke:bracket|2TeamBracket|compact=n|seeds=n

| RD1=December 30

| RD1-team1=Le Moyne

| RD1-score1=96

| RD1-team2={{nowrap|Roberts Wesleyan}}

| RD1-score2=91

}}

{{col-end}}

Jakub Hrabovský of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

References:

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 30

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 29

| RD3 = Championship
December 30

| RD1-team1 = Southern Vermont

| RD1-score1 = 58

| RD1-team2 = Roberts Wesleyan

| RD1-score2 = 85

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 96

| RD2-team2 = Southern Vermont

| RD2-score2 = 66

| RD2-team3 = Hartwick

| RD2-score3 = 83

| RD2-team4 = Roberts Wesleyan

| RD2-score4 = 75

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 90

| RD3-team2 = Hartwick

| RD3-score2 = 65

}}

Jamie McArdle of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Jamie McArdle, Le Moyne
• Brett Barnard, Le Moyne
• Kyle Chapman, Le Moyne
• Josh Brown, Hartwick
• David Orr, Hartwick
• Jamie Dell, Roberts Wesleyan

References:

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 29

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 28

| RD3 = Championship
December 29

| RD1-team1 = Alfred

| RD1-score1 = 77

| RD1-team2 = Mercy

| RD1-score2 = 66

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 70

| RD2-team2 = Alfred

| RD2-score2 = 55

| RD2-team3 = Roberts Wesleyan

| RD2-score3 = 92

| RD2-team4 = Mercy

| RD2-score4 = 75

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 86

| RD3-team2 = Roberts Wesleyan

| RD3-score2 = 78

}}

Flagan Prince of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Flagan Prince, Le Moyne
• Brett Barnard, Le Moyne
• Rob Thorpe, Le Moyne
• James Floyd, Roberts Wesleyan
• Joe Rebisz, Roberts Wesleyan
• E.J. Docteur, Alfred

References:

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 29

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 28

| RD3 = Championship
December 29

| RD1-team1 = Roberts Wesleyan

| RD1-score1 = 71

| RD1-team2 = C.W. Post

| RD1-score2 = 69

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 84

| RD2-team2 = Roberts Wesleyan

| RD2-score2 = 81

| RD2-team3 = Brockport

| RD2-score3 = 65

| RD2-team4 = C.W. Post

| RD2-score4 = 64

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 72

| RD3-team2 = Brockport

| RD3-score2 = 77

}}

Bob Skoczylas of Brockport was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Bob Skoczylas, Brockport
• Brandon Mills, Brockport
• Kellan Skrine, Brockport
• Jason Coleman, Le Moyne
• Nick Dooley, Le Moyne
• James Floyd, Roberts Wesleyan

References:

{{#invoke:bracket|4TeamBracket-Consols

| RD1 = Third Place
December 30

| RD2 = Semifinals
December 29

| RD3 = Championship
December 30

| RD1-team1 = Green Mountain

| RD1-score1 = 43

| RD1-team2 = Clarkson

| RD1-score2 = 69

| RD2-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD2-score1 = 107

| RD2-team2 = Green Mountain

| RD2-score2 = 37

| RD2-team3 = Baruch

| RD2-score3 = 75

| RD2-team4 = Clarkson

| RD2-score4 = 60

| RD3-team1 = Le Moyne

| RD3-score1 = 72

| RD3-team2 = Baruch

| RD3-score2 = 65

}}

Corey Smith of Le Moyne was named most valuable player.

The all-tournament team included:

• Corey Smith, Le Moyne
• Jason Holmes, Le Moyne
• Sid Pond, Le Moyne
• Cheick Fadika, Baruch
• Louie Karis, Baruch
• EJ Harrison, Clarkson

Le Moyne has 43 men's basketball players, coaches and contributors honored in the Le Moyne Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition, two of Le Moyne's men's basketball teams have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{font color|white|#154734;|Conference Coaches of the Year}}

• Tommy Niland – 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1965
• John Beilein – 1988
• Patrick Beilein – 2017, 2018
• Nate Champion – 2020

{{col-2}}

{{font color|white|#154734;|Conference Players of the Year}}

• Bill Stanley – 1962
• Gary DeYulia – 1966
• Pete Jerebko – 1988
• Len Rauch – 1991
• Laurence Ekperigin – 2009

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{font color|white|#154734;|Conference Freshmen/Rookies of the Year}}

• Len Rauch – 1988
• Joe Girard – 1991
• Mike Montesano – 1992
• Trent Morgan – 2005

{{col-2}}

{{font color|white|#154734;|Conference tournament MVPs}}

• Bill Stanley – 1960{{efn|group=awards|This tournament was conducted during the 1960–61 season and was not a postseason tournament.}}
• Pete Jerebko – 1988
• Dave Ingram – 1996
• Rob Atene – 1997
• Isaiah Eisendorf – 2018

{{col-end}}

{{font color|white|#154734;|Postseason tournament Most Outstanding Players}}

• Don Savage – 1950, 1951
• Bill Jenkins – 1952

;Note

{{notelist|group=awards}}

{{As of|2025|4|5|df=US}}, four former Le Moyne players are currently playing professionally overseas.{{cite web|url=https://basketball.realgm.com/ncaa/conferences/Northeast-Conference/27/Le-Moyne/721/in-the-pros|title=Former Le Moyne Players Currently Playing Professionally|website=Real GM|access-date=January 29, 2025}}

The Le Moyne Dolphins have played home games in five different venues, since the inception of the program, and have an all-time home record of 639–282. Le Moyne's home record by venue through the end of the 2024–25 season is summarized as follows:

File:Toyota Coliseum, New York State Fairgrounds - 20210321 - 02.jpgThe Dolphins' first home venue was the State Fair Coliseum, now known as the Toyota Coliseum, at 581 State Fair Boulevard in Geddes, New York,{{cite web|url=https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/venues/toyota-coliseum|title=Toyota Coliseum|website=New York State Fairgrounds|access-date=April 2, 2025}} which they shared with the Syracuse Nationals of the NBA and the Syracuse Orange. The Nationals moved into the Coliseum from the West Jefferson Street Armory for the 1948–49 season. The Orangemen moved into the Coliseum in 1947, after their on-campus gymnasium was destroyed by fire.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1099078342|title=Gym Loss Placed at $2,000,000|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|last=Weschke|first=Collin|date=January 13, 1947|pages=1, 7|access-date=April 5, 2025}} The Orange played their 1946–47 home games in the West Jefferson Street Armory, after a Syracuse city engineer issued an order that prohibited gatherings in the on-campus gym of more than 792 people due to inadequate fire exits.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1947/09-12/page-37|title=Coliseum Available Oct. 1|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=September 12, 1947|page=37|access-date=April 6, 2025}} The Coliseum had a seating capacity of 7,500 for basketball.

File:War-memorial 1954.jpgThe Dolphins, along with the Nationals and the Orange, moved into the new Onondaga County War Memorial, now known as the Upstate Medical University Arena, at 800 South State Street in Syracuse for the 1951–52 season. The arena had a seating capacity for basketball of 7,200.{{cite web|url=https://www.asmsyracuse.com/p/book/our-spaces/upstate-medical-arena-at-the-oncenter-war-memorial|title=Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial|website=ASM Syracue|access-date=April 2, 2025}}

After one season at the War Memorial, Le Moyne moved their home games to the West Jefferson Street Armory in 1952. They returned to the War Memorial for the 1955–56 season, when they reached an agreement with the Syracuse Orange pursuant to which the two schools scheduled their home games as doubleheaders.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-journal/1955/04-19/page-28|title=Dolphin Five at Memorial|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-Journal|date=April 19, 1955|page=28|access-date=May 23, 2024}} Le Moyne withdrew from the agreement after the 1956–57 season and returned to the Armory.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/276924277|title=Le Moyne, Syracuse End Pact|newspaper=Star-Gazette|location=Elmira, New York|page=21|date=April 5, 1957|access-date=January 13, 2024}}

The Dolphins changed their primary home venue from the State Fair Coliseum to the new Onondaga County War Memorial for the 1951–52 season. Since the War Memorial was not available for all scheduled home games, North Syracuse High School's gymnasium, located at 205 South Main Street in North Syracuse, was used to host three of Le Moyne's games, including their home opener and home finale, as an alternate venue.{{cite news|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19510919-01.1.6|title=Le Moyne's Varsity Basketball Schedule for 1951–52|newspaper=The Dolphin|publisher=Le Moyne College|date=September 19, 1951|page=6|volume=V|issue=1|access-date=April 2, 2025}} The gym had a seating capacity of 600 for basketball.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-herald-american/1952/01-13/page-45|title=LeMoyne Wallops Oswego Teachers, 79 to 56|newspaper=Syracuse Herald-American|date=January 13, 1952|page=45|access-date=April 2, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1089371770|title=LeMoyne Defeats Oswego State at North Gym, 79 to 56|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=January 13, 1952|page=37|access-date=April 2, 2025}}

North Syracuse High School moved to a new building in 1955,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1099092675|title=North Syracuse High School|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=October 30, 1955|access-date=April 2, 2025}} and the building that formerly housed the school became Main Street Elementary School. {{As of|2025}}, the building houses the North Syracuse Early Education Program.{{cite web|url=https://www.nscsd.org/earlyeducation|title=North Syracuse Early Education Program|website=North Syracuse Central School District|access-date=April 2, 2025}}

File:Armory 1908 nys syracuse.jpgThe Dolphins moved their home games to the West Jefferson Street Armory at 236 West Jefferson Street in Syracuse for the 1952–53 season.{{cite news|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1952_1953/02%20October%209%201952.pdf|title=New Site for Home Hoop Games|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=VI|issue=2|last=Rinella|first=Jim|date=October 9, 1952|page=5|access-date=January 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110034146/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lemoyneprojects/dolphinarchive/1952_1953/02%20October%209%201952.pdf|archive-date=January 10, 2024}} After three seasons at the Armory, Le Moyne returned to the War Memorial for two seasons. The Dolphins moved their home games back to the Armory for the 1957–58 season,{{cite news|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=lmdp19571121-01|title=Dolphinmen Flex Muscles for Dec. Opener at Armory|newspaper=The Dolphin|volume=XI|issue=5|last=Watts|first=Mike|date=November 21, 1957|page=5|access-date=January 12, 2024}} and were based at the venue until their on-campus fieldhouse was built in 1962. The Armory's seating capacity was 3,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1099060817|title=Circus Lacks Music As Shrine, Union Clash|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|date=April 20, 1962|page=6|access-date=April 2, 2025}} Portable bleachers could expand the seating capacity to 5,000.

The Armory building now houses the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology.

The Le Moyne Dolphins presently play their home games on Ted Grant Court in the 2,637-seat Le Moyne Events Center;{{cite web|url=https://express.adobe.com/page/LrZPj|title=Le Moyne College Athletic Center Renovation|work=QPK Design|access-date=December 25, 2023}} the seating capacity for basketball reported to the NCAA is 2,000.

Ground was broken on construction of the Events Center in March 1961, and the arena opened on December 1, 1962, with a varsity basketball game featuring Le Moyne versus archrival Siena.{{cite web|url=https://lemoynedolphins.com/facilities|title=Facilities|website=Le Moyne Dolphins|access-date=December 25, 2023}} The varsity game against Siena was the nightcap of a doubleheader that opened with Le Moyne's freshman team defeating Powelson Business Institute, 65–47.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/new-york/syracuse/syracuse-post-standard/1962/12-02/page-110|title=LeMoyne Cubs 65–47 Winners over Powelson|newspaper=The Post-Standard|location=Syracuse, New York|page=38|date=December 2, 1962|access-date=June 24, 2024}} The arena underwent a significant renovation in 2016,{{cite web|url=https://thedolphinlmc.com/news-features/2016/09/08/ted-grant-court-set-to-open-in-october|title=Ted Grant Court Set to Open in October|website=The Dolphin|last=DuVal|first=Marisa|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=December 25, 2023}} and reopened on October 12 of that year.

The Events Center hosted regional games of the 1965, 1966, 1969, 2017 and 2018 NCAA College Division/Division II tournaments.

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• [https://lemoynedolphins.com/sports/mens-basketball Le Moyne Dolphins Men's Basketball official website]

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Category:Basketball teams established in 1948

Category:1948 establishments in New York (state)