Including the first match up of this season, the Ravens hold a narrow 23-20 advantage in the series with Graceland since Benedicitne joined the HAAC for the 1992-'93 season as tonight marks the 44th meeting between the schools in HAAC play.
The Match Up: Graceland (5-15, 2-7 HAAC) vs. Benedictine (14-6, 6-3 HAAC)
Radio: KAIR 93.7 FM - Tom Kautz and Gus Kautz on the call.
Internet Audio: www.network1sports.com/station/kair
Internet Video: www.livestream.com/benedictineravensportsnetwork - Tim Spoerl, Kevon McGrew and Carlos Murana on the call.
Live Stats - click on the (((W))): http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Team/TeamPage.aspx?association=10&...
In-Game upates & analysis: www.twitter.com/RavenGameDay
Up Next: Saturday vs. No. 19 Evangel University, 4 p.m., Springfield, Mo. First Time: 71-58 Evangel (Dec. 2, Atchison)
FULL GAME NOTES
ABOUT BENEDICTINE:
The Ravens continue to climb the NAIA Div. I leader board for scoring defense per game. ... Through 21 games, the Ravens are now ranked No. 3 in the nation limiting their opponents to just 59.1 ppg. ... In total, the Ravens are ranked in five NAIA Div. I statistical categories – all defensive categories. ... In addition the scoring defense per game, the Ravens ranked third in total blocks (88), fourth in blocks per game (4.4), seventh in total defensive rebounds per game (31.0) and the Ravens are eighth in field goal defense, limiting their opponents to 38.6 percent from the floor. ... While the Ravens points per game average and shooting percentage are down from their season average so far in 2013, the last two games have showcased the Ravens defensive efforts heading into the second half of the conference slate. ... Benedictine limited Baker and Avila to a combined 32 field goals, including just five 3-pointers while forcing 28 turnovers. ... Forward Jallen Messersmith (Soph., Blue Springs, Mo.) has recorded nine blocks in the last two outings for the Ravens. On the year, Messersmith has 35 blocks, which ranks him fifth in NAIA Div. I. His 1.9 blocks per game average ranks him fifth.
ABOUT GRACELAND UNIVERSITY:
While Graceland scored a hugh upset over then-ranked No. 24 Culver-Stockton College back on Jan. 10, they're still suffering a hang over from the big win. ... The Yellowjackets have lost three straight since beating the Wildcats 80-69 and have actually lost seven of their last eight heading into the second half of conference play. ... Alex Roth is Graceland's leading scorer at 15.6 ppg and he also leads the team in rebounding with a 6.1 per game average. ... Roth has started in all 20 games for Graceland this season, averaging 27.7 minutes per game. He has five games over 20 points this season and has scored above his average 11 times this season. ... Jamal Lawson is second for Graceland in points per game with a 13.1 average and has started in 19 games this season. ... Roth and Lawson have scored a combined 559 points this seaon for the Yellowjackets, which accounts for 41.9 percent of Graceland's 1,335 points.
FIRST TIME AROUND:
The Ravens outscored Graceland by 12 points in the second half and finished with a commanding 38-20 advantage in points in the paint en route to a 61-44 win back on Nov. 29. Benedictine used a 50 percent shooting effort in the second half to extend a five-point lead at the break into a 12-point advantage in the second half en route to the 17-point win. The Ravens led by as much as 22 points before settling for the 17-point win. Raven guard Jonathan Anaekwe (Soph., Shawnee) led the Ravens with a game-high 15 points while forward Charlie Wallrapp (Jr., Omaha) finished with 10 points. Roth was the only Yellowjacket in double figures with 15. Graceland hit just 30.5 perent from the floor while Benedictine coverted 46.3 percent. The 34 defensive rebounds and 43 total rebounds pulled in by Benedictine still stands as a season high.
EXTRA NUGGETS:
The Ravens are looking for their sixth sweep of the Yellowjackets since the 1992-'93 season. ... In all, the series between the two schools has finished in a split nine times including three of the last four seasons. ... The last time the Ravens earned the season sweep over the Yellowjackets was during the 2006-'07 season.
