SAGU up to #7 in NCCAA's Top 10
Lions advance even after loss to TC
Rankings include NCAA D2 and NAIA teams
WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- The National Christian College Athletic Association released their weekly ranking yesterday, and Southwestern Assemblies of God University remains in the Top 10. (See rankings below)
Despite losing on Monday night, the Lions, now 7-2, appear in the Top 10 at #7. The Purple Pride had won three straight prior to slipping up at home to Texas College. They were rated #8 in last week's rankings.
SAGU’s highest placement on the NCCAA list was #4. Their two setbacks have come against stout opposition; Westmont College (Santa Barbara, Cal) and Texas College (Tyler, Tx), with both defeats being suffered at home.
The Warriors, ranked #8 in the NAIA’s Top 25 poll at the time, are currently 7-1. The Steers are 8-1 and fellow members in the Red River Athletic Conference. They were ranked #27 in the most recent NAIA poll.
Remaining at #1 atop the NCCAA’s rankings is Indiana Wesleyan University. The Wildcats, 10-1 after defeating Indiana East, 92-76, on Tuesday, are in the NAIA’s Division II. They have already defeated four ranked teams.
They dropped an 86-57 exhibition to the NCAA’s #1 ranked team, Indiana University, on November 1. Yes, the Hoosiers.
At #2 in this week’s NCCAA rankings is California Baptist University. At 6-0, the Lancers are off to a solid start in the NCAA’s Division II.
The only team in the NCCAA’s Central Region that rates higher than SAGU is McMurry University. The War Hawks, from
Abilene, Texas, are 5-2 in the NCAA D2’s Heartland Conference.
The Lions, ranked #20 in the NAIA, have five games remaining, two against traditionally ranked powers, before they break for the holidays.
This weekend they trek north of the Red River to take on Bacone College and Langston University.
The Lions face the Warriors in (Muskogee, Ok) the Palmer Center on Saturday night at 7:30pm.
On Monday, December 10, SAGU tangles with the Langston Lions. The contest is set for a 7:30pm jump-ball at the C.F. Gayles Fieldhouse.
A year ago the LU Lions (10-19) handed SAGU an 87-80 double overtime loss in Langston. They shot 49% from the field and rallied late to force OT.
SAGU hopes to activate senior forward, Nathaniel Duce Ward (Waco, Tx / Connally HS), next week.
Next Thursday, December 13, SAGU will welcome LSU-Shreveport to the Sheaffer Center for a 7:30pm tilt. The Pilots (5-2) began the season ranked #7 nationally, have now won five in a row.
Then, after a trip to New Mexico to face the University of the Southwest (3-3) on Dec. 15, the Lions will meet Texas Wesleyan University in Ft. Worth on Dec. 17.
The Rams, ranked #11 in the NAIA’s Top 25, are 7-1 overall and 2-0 in the RRAC.
Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, SAGU Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.
NCCAA 2012-13 Men’s Basketball Division I Top 10 Ranking
| Rank | School | Mascot | Affiliation | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana Wesleyan University | Wildcats | NAIA D2 | 9-1 |
| 2 | California Baptist University | Lancers | NCAA D2 | 6-0 |
| 3 | Campbellsville University (KY) | Tigers | NAIA D1 | 7-2 |
| 4 | McMurry University (TX) | War Hawks | NCAA D2 | 5-2 |
| 5 | Shorter University (GA) | Hawks | NCAA D2 | 5-2 |
| 6 | Emmanuel College (GA) | Lions | NAIA D1 | 11-2 |
| 7 | SAGU (TX) | Lions | NAIA D1 | 7-2 |
| 8 | Azusa Pacific University (CA) | Cougars | NCAA D2 | 3-2 |
| 9 | Grace College (IN) | Lancers | NAIA D2 | 5-2 |
| 10 | Bethel College (IN) | Pilots | NAIA D2 | 8-3 |
| Receiving Votes | ||||
| 11 | Hope International University (CA) | Royals | NAIA D1 | 10-1 |
| 12 | Fresno Pacific University (CA) | Sunbirds | NCAA D2 | 5-4 |
| 13 | Cedarville University (OH) | Yellowjackets | NCAA D2 | 4-5 |
| 14 | Mt. Vernon Nazarene University (OH) | Cougars | NAIA | 6-5 |
| 15 | Northwestern College (MN) | Eagles | NAIA | 5-1 |
| 16 | Mid-Continent University (KY) | Cougars | NAIA | 9-6 |
| 17 | Tennessee Temple University | Crusaders | NCCAA | 6-4 |
| 18 | Point University (GA) | Skyhawks | NAIA D2 | 10-3 |
| 19 | Malone University (OH) | Pioneers | NCAA D2 | 5-1 |
| 20 | Roberts Wesleyan College (NY) | Redhawks | NCAA D2 | 3-4 |
| 21 | Oklahoma Christian University | Eagles | NCAA D2 | 5-4 |
