The Daily Dive is your deep dive into the news and notes from around the NAIA Hoops World. Every day we will highlight some of the top headlines, conference updates, player accolades, coaching milestones and more. This used to be our Morning Bullet Points series. We went away from it this year, as others were doing similar things and we didn’t want to step on any toes. At the request of many, we have elected to bring it back for the second half of the season. Feel free to DM us on Twitter (@NAIAHoopsReport) or send an email to naiahoopsreport@gmail.com to recommend stories to be included into this segment.
Review of yesterday’s Games of the Day:
19 Bethel (IN) @ 8 Marian (Full Recap)
Really good road win for the Pilots last night that keeps them at 8-1 and tied for 1st place in the Crossroads League. A game that was close throughout the entire game, Bethel was able to make enough plays down the stretch to get the win. Jared DeHart led the way with 22 points.
RV Holy Cross 69 @ Olivet Nazarene 64 (Full Recap)
Another gritty grind it out CCAC battle between these two teams. With the win, Holy Cross moves into sole possession of 1st place. Storm Cook continues to look impressive as he finished with a team high 25 points. ONU got another big 26pt, 14reb performance from Alex Gross in the loss.
11 Dakota Wesleyan 66 @ RV Jamestown 74 (Full Recap)
The Jimmies continue to be really good at home. The win puts them alone in 3rd place right now in the GPAC, but they do have wins over both 11 Dakota Wesleyan and 15 Morningside. Seven games to go in the GPAC, and things are starting to tighten up a big in the standings! No surprise here, Mason Walters with another double-double finishing with 16pts and 10reb.
Other Games of Note:
– Southwestern (KS) stopped #25 Bethel (KS) 10 game win streak last night with a 86-76 win.
– Trinity Christian went on the road to get an upset over RV Saint Ambrose.
BIG Dunks:
We know that dunks still only count as two points, but when outsiders talk down on the level of play at the NAIA level it’s fun to show off some of the great athleticism and talent we actually have at this level!
– Quick Daily Dive today, but we have another full slate of games today! For the most part conferences are in full swing right now. It makes for great games each and every night. Be sure to buckle up, it is going to be a fun, and busy, last two months!
