Good morning, NAIA hoops fans!
Monday brought a shorter slate, but Georgia Gwinnett gave us a result worth talking about. The Grizzlies beat NCAA Division I Alabama State 79–77, and Tuesday brings several matchups worth circling.
Georgia Gwinnett wins its Division I test
Georgia Gwinnett 79, Alabama State 77.
Amari Morgan delivered the go-ahead dunk for the Grizzlies, according to the host box score. Alabama State got 24 points from Paul McMillan IV and 23 from Tre Powell, but Georgia Gwinnett left Montgomery with the two-point win. Game recap
The Grizzlies entered the matchup 6–0, fresh off wins over St. Thomas and Tennessee Wesleyan at the Dalton Classic. Beating a Division I opponent adds another reason to pay attention to this team.
The game was an exhibition for Georgia Gwinnett but counts for Alabama State. The Grizzlies’ regular-season record remains 6–0. Georgia Gwinnett’s season schedule
Monday’s other results
Georgia College & State 94, Columbia International 58. CIU faced an NCAA Division II opponent in Milledgeville, with Georgia College & State winning by 36. Peach Belt schedule
East Central 107, Sterling 63. East Central led 57–37 at halftime and shot 69.2 percent from the field. Its 32–4 advantage in points off turnovers helped explain the margin. Julien Smith provided Sterling’s top scoring line with 15 points, including four made 3-pointers. Official box score
Monday’s top performers
- Amari Morgan, Georgia Gwinnett: Delivered the go-ahead dunk in the Grizzlies’ 79–77 exhibition win at Alabama State.
- Julien Smith, Sterling: 15 points in 15 minutes. He went 4-for-6 from 3-point range and 3-for-4 at the foul line, adding a rebound and a block.
- Khadir Muhammad, Sterling: 11 points, two rebounds and one assist. He made all five of his free throws.
- Carson Shimer, Sterling: 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal, with two made 3-pointers.
The unbeaten watch
The latest undefeated-teams graphic is below, including Rocky Mountain and Evergreen State.
Tuesday’s games to watch
Nelson at LSU Shreveport. This is the first game I’d circle on Tuesday’s card. Nelson takes its early-season road test to Shreveport. Official Nelson schedule
Tabor at Wayland Baptist. The Pioneers host Tabor at the Hutcherson Center in Plainview. Wayland reached 100 points against Northern New Mexico last Thursday; this is another chance to see its offense at home. Wayland’s schedule
Ottawa at Concordia (Neb.). Concordia brings a 3–1 start into this home matchup after beating Judson 103–66 on Saturday. The host lists a 7 p.m. tip in Seward. Concordia’s schedule
Dakota State vs. Dordt. Dakota State enters 3–0, and this matchup at the Sanford Pentagon deserves attention. Sanford Pentagon event information. Dakota State’s official conference schedule
Follow the NHR Scores & Schedules page for the running board.
Good At Basketball.
