NAIA Schedule, Links to Watch, Games of the Day, Five Players to Watch

December 9th NAIA Games

Games of the Day:

Mount Vernon Nazarene @ 12 Marian 4:00pm ET Live Video

This should be a fun battle in the Crossroads League this afternoon. Marian’s only loss was to #3 Indiana Wesleyan and haven’t played since that game a couple weeks back. Mount Vernon started the season a little later then most in the league, but have played well in their 3 games this season! A couple All-Americans in Cameron Walter (Marian) and Jevon Knox (MVNU) will highlight the players in this game today!

Bethel (IN) @ RV Holy Cross 4:00pm CT Live Video

A non conference battle between two teams similar teams. This will be the first game of the season for Holy Cross, so it will be interesting to see if they can build off their DII National Tournament qualifying season from last year. Bethel (IN) sits at 6-2 overall so they will have the advantage with game experience this season.

7 Morningside @ Briar Cliff 8:00pm CT Live Video

Crosstown rivalry that usually has a lot of great finishes. Briar Cliff is coming off of their best win of the year as they knocked off previous GPAC leader Concordia (NE). When Briar Cliff is shooting the 3 well, they are tough to beat! Morningside has recovered after a loss at Jamestown, and survived a scare against RV Northwestern. The rivalry game only makes it more entertaining and a must watch for today!

Five Players To Watch

Nick Harden 5’10 Dakota Wesleyan 18.67/4.83apg/1.67spg

Ladies and Gentleman, Nick Harden is BACK! The 2018-19 All-American missed most of last season, but is back and is really playing well. Harden is 3rd in the GPAC in PPG (18.67), he leads the GPAC in APG (4.86) and is 3rd in the GPAC in SPG (1.67). It is great seeing Nick back to playing at a high level. He is a big part of why DWU sits atop the GPAC Standings right now.

Kieran Jones 6’5 F Georgetown 18.8ppg/11.8rpg

Georgetown seems to be still finding its way a bit after losing THREE All-Americans from last year, including National Player of the Year, Chris Coffey. Kieran is a stud Sophomore and is starting to look like the guy who is going to take over that Chris Coffey role. He had a good Freshman campaign, but just seems to get better and better each time out this season!

Corey Benton 6’2 G Columbia International – 27.8ppg./6.4rpg/4.6apg

Corey leads the Appalachian Athletic Conference in Points Per Game and is 2nd in assists per game. The Senior has been crazy good this season and is coming off of a 48pt performance against Truett McConnell.

Riley Minix 6’7 F Southeastern (FL) – 22.3ppg/12.17ppg/2apg/1.5spg/1.17bpg

We have talked about Riley on the podcast and have featured Riley in this segment back in early November, but he is always worth being on this list. Riley leads the Fire team in points per game, rebounds per game, steals per game, and blocks per game. His PPG and RPG numbers also lead The Sun Conference. He is another Sophomore being featured today and he is worth watching!

Jordan Gains 6’4 G Holy Cross

This will be the first game of the season for Holy Cross, but the Senior guard is coming off of a All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference season last year. He was 2nd on the team in points per game last season at 12.1ppg. Expect Jordan to have a bigger role this year!