Happy Election Day! No matter who wins tonight, I think we can all agree on one thing: we’re ready for the campaign texts, calls and mailers to stop. And no matter the results, remember to be a good person.
IU Kokomo and MACU push Division I opponents, former NAIA stars shine, and a big Tuesday awaits.
Monday brought plenty of opportunities for NAIA programs to test themselves against Division I competition. Two teams made those opportunities count on the court, even if the results went in the exhibition column for them.
IU Kokomo makes Evansville work
Evansville 80, IU Kokomo 70
IU Kokomo did more than show up at the Ford Center. The Cougars shot 61.5% in the first half, led by as many as nine and took a 42–34 advantage into the break. Joseph Annan Jr. finished with 16 points, and IU Kokomo stayed within a possession until the final six minutes.
The Cougars also won the rebounding battle, 33–30. The difference was taking care of the basketball: 19 IU Kokomo turnovers turned into 26 Evansville points. The result goes down as an exhibition for IU Kokomo, but making a Division I opponent work that hard is something to build on.
MACU stays right with Omaha
Omaha 73, Mid-America Christian 65
Mid-America Christian gave Omaha a full night’s work. The Mavericks led 41–33 at halftime, and the teams played an even 32–32 second half. MACU never let the game turn into a runaway.
Like IU Kokomo, the Evangels were playing an exhibition on their side of the schedule. It counted for Omaha. Two different settings, two NAIA teams showing they could compete with Division I opponents.
Official Omaha game center | Game preview and exhibition designation
Former NAIA standouts deliver on the Division I stage
Luke Almodovar: 18 points and eight rebounds for Memphis
Luke Almodovar made an immediate impact in Memphis’ 80–76 win over No. 18 Iowa State. The former Saint Francis (Ind.) standout finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals in 28 minutes. He knocked down three 3-pointers and went 5-for-6 at the foul line.
That is a big-time outing in a big-time game. Another reminder of the talent coming through NAIA basketball.
Official Memphis box score | Almodovar’s Memphis bio
Jalen Langsy: 25 points for South Alabama
Former Northwestern College standout Jalen Langsy led South Alabama with 25 points in an 86–77 loss to Ohio. Langsy shot 9-for-18 from the field, including 3-for-9 from three, and made 4-of-6 free throws. He added two assists and a rebound in 36 minutes.
South Alabama did not get the win, but Langsy’s scoring deserves a spotlight alongside Almodovar’s performance. NAIA fans already knew these guys could play.
Official Ohio box score | Langsy’s South Alabama bio
Road To Muni: Greg Tonagel joins the show
The latest Road To Muni episode looks back at Week 2 and features Indiana Wesleyan head coach Greg Tonagel. Add it to your rotation before Tuesday’s games get going.
Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify
Tuesday’s games to watch
All times below are Central. Rankings and receiving-votes designations reflect the preseason poll.
RV LSU Alexandria at No. 14 Loyola | 6 p.m.
A quick rematch with plenty of appeal. LSUA took the October 22 meeting, 85–84, and Loyola has won three straight since. If the first meeting is any indication, this one belongs on a screen.
No. 21 Pikeville at No. 10 Cumberlands | 6 p.m.
A Top 25 matchup in Williamsburg headlines the night. Two ranked Mid-South programs meeting this early gives us a good measuring stick before the season really gets rolling.
Stillman at RV Faulkner | 7 p.m.
Faulkner opened with a 91–80 win over Milligan before falling 98–75 to Talladega. This is a chance to respond, and Stillman gets an opportunity to make an early statement on the road.
Faulkner schedule | Faulkner Sports Network
Kansas Wesleyan at MidAmerica Nazarene | 7 p.m.
A KCAC–Heart matchup worth keeping an eye on. MNU began with an 89–75 win over Mission, and Kansas Wesleyan provides another early test.
MNU schedule | Urban Edge Network
Also on the radar: Montreat at No. 18 Georgia Gwinnett | 6 p.m.
Another ranked team in action and another matchup to keep in the Tuesday rotation. Georgia Gwinnett schedule
Tuesday schedule
The graphic below covers 19 verified games. It is a partial slate, with all times Central. Listed broadcast channels do not guarantee individual game playback.
Get those screens ready! NAIA hoops. Good At Basketball.
