NAIA Schedule and Links: November 13th

November 13th NAIA Games

Pretty healthy schedule this Friday the 13th! With a combination of Classics and conference games, we actually will have a pretty busy weekend.

Games of the Day:

RV Shawnee State @ Grace

Shawnee is great defensively. They are the biggest team in the NAIA, and have 6’11 EJ Onu at the rim as the best defensive big in NAIA. Last year Grace really struggled in this matchup, losing 69-52, the Lancers lowest scoring total of the season. We will see if Coach Scott Moore and staff can pick the tempo up a bit, and find some holes in the Bears defense.

RV Oklahoma Wesleyan @ Tabor

If you base this game on last years records, then you would think Oklahoma Wesleyan runs away with this game. However, Tabor has looked a lot better, and could give Oklahoma Wesleyan a fight at home.

Five Players To Watch

EJ Onu 6’11 Sr F, Shawnee State – 22ppg/5rpg

One of the best defensive big men in college basketball. Was named the MSC Defensive Player of the Year as he led the country in block per game last season. The All-American is primed for a HUGE Senior season!

Cameron Wolter 6’8 Sr F, Marian – 16ppg/13rpg

Cameron is a smart and skilled Forward who has a good motor! He is coming off of a 1st Team All-Crossroads and 3rd Team NAIA DII All-American campaign in 2019-2020.

Matt Simpson 6’0 So G, Florida College – 17ppg/8rpg

Matt is a bucket getter. One of the most efficient scorers in the county last year. As a Freshman, he scored double figure points in 21 games while shooting over 50% from the field, over 40% from 3, and over 80% from the FT line.

Jovan Sljivancanin 6’5 Jr F Carroll (MT)

Today will be Carroll’s first game of the season, but the returning All-American is coming off of a big sophomore season in which he averaged 17.2ppg and 10.5rpg. The Junior loses fellow All-American Dane Warp, so look for him to put up some big numbers this year for Carroll.

Darryl Baker 6’4 Sr G Talladega – 15.6ppg/5.4rpg/4.2apg

The returning All-American was named Preseason GCAC Player of the Year. Baker is a do it all guard, who is a tough matchup for anyone. A lot of new faces in Talladega, but there is no doubt that Baker is one of the premier players in the country!