Good morning, NAIA hoops fans!
Thursday gave us a 39-point performance from Deondre Dunn, a big road win for Benedictine Mesa and a buzzer-beater in New Mexico. Now we turn to a Friday that includes a new arena opening at Indiana Wesleyan and our conversation with NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr.
Let’s get into it!
Tonight at Indiana Wesleyan: I AM THIRD Arena opens
I’ll be at Indiana Wesleyan tonight as the Wildcats open I AM THIRD Arena against Kuyper College. The men tip at 7 p.m. Eastern, following the women’s game at 5 p.m. Eastern. IWU men’s schedule
The numbers behind the new building are impressive: a $30 million investment, 80,000 square feet and seating for more than 2,000 spectators. Add five suites, a primary video board more than 41 feet wide and ribbon displays more than 70 feet long, and there will be plenty to take in before the ball goes up.
Indiana Wesleyan enters the season at No. 5 in the NAIA preseason coaches’ poll. Tonight gives the Wildcats their first opportunity to make this new building feel like home.
Top 25 scoreboard: Wayland reaches 100
No. 24 Wayland Baptist 100, Northern New Mexico 60.
The Pioneers put together a 40-point win in Plainview on Thursday. Wayland schedule
This is a partial verified scoreboard, not a complete account of every ranked team. Rankings in today’s Dive follow the October 21 NAIA preseason coaches’ poll. The next coaches’ poll is scheduled for November 11.
Dunn delivers 39 in a three-point win
Southwestern Christian 90, Mission 87.
Deondre Dunn had a night!
Dunn scored 39 points and pulled down nine rebounds, going 13-for-23 from the field and knocking down six 3-pointers. Southwestern Christian needed that production in a game decided by one possession.
Mission had plenty of offense of its own. Devante Watson finished with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Lee Williams added 21 points. Official NCCAA box score
2OT thriller in Kansas: Hesston outlasts Tabor
Hesston 92, Tabor 90. Final in double overtime.
The Larks needed two extra periods to finish the job at the Bethel Classic. According to Hesston College’s @GoLarks post, Trent Thompson hit the go-ahead free throws to seal the win.
Three Larks recorded double-doubles: Brennon Dodge had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Nate Brown finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Dante Smith added 15 points and 10 rebounds. Hesston College’s game report
Benedictine Mesa takes over after halftime
Benedictine Mesa 89, Warner Pacific 73.
A one-point halftime game turned into a convincing road win for the Redhawks. Benedictine Mesa outscored Warner Pacific 46–31 in the second half to pull away.
Thomas turns the tables
Warner won the October 29 meeting 89–86, but Thomas took Thursday’s rematch 77–56. A three-point loss became a 21-point win one week later. These early-season return games continue to give us interesting results. Official NCCAA results
Other Thursday finals
- Justice 85, OUAZ 82.
- Nelson University–Arizona 92, Southwest 90. Nelson Arizona is distinct from the ranked Nelson program in Texas.
- Pepperdine 106, La Sierra 66.
Separate non-counting result: Air Force 107, Calumet 58. Calumet’s schedule identifies the game as not counting toward its overall record. Scores and schedules
These are selected verified finals, not a complete national roundup. A confirmed score does not by itself establish whether a game counts toward both schools’ records.
Thursday’s standout performances
- Deondre Dunn, Southwestern Christian: 39 points, nine rebounds and six made 3-pointers.
- Devante Watson, Mission: 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.
These selections come from the verified NCCAA box score above, not a complete national statistical leaderboard.
Friday games to keep on the screen
Times are Central:
- 6 p.m.: Kuyper at No. 5 Indiana Wesleyan. That’s 7 p.m. Eastern in Marion.
- 6 p.m.: Maharishi International at No. 19 Concordia in the Cattle Classic.
- 8 p.m.: Hastings vs. Judson at the Cattle Classic.
- 8 p.m.: Saint Mary-of-the-Woods at Bethel (Tenn.).
This is a selected schedule. Follow the scores and schedules page for updates.
Friday Feature: Jim Carr and the fifth season
Today’s Road To Muni Friday Feature with NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr comes at an important time. The NAIA approved its fifth season of competition this week, with the new model taking effect in fall 2027. NAIA announcement
One point deserves attention: the change adds a possible season of competition, but it does not add terms of attendance. Players still must meet applicable academic and eligibility requirements.
A player using a fourth season during 2026–27 could potentially return in 2027–28 with remaining terms and eligibility. Someone who exhausted four seasons before 2026–27 does not regain eligibility through this change. Players should work with their school’s eligibility staff on their individual circumstances. Official eligibility FAQ
Between that conversation and opening night in Marion, Friday should give us plenty to follow.
NAIA hoops. Good At Basketball.
