Men's Basketball goes for the regular-season sweep over MNU today at 4 p.m. inside the Ralph Nolan Gymnasium as they look to close out January with a 6-win month.
With the win over MNU in Olathe back on Jan. 14, the Ravens improved to 13-12 over the Pioneers under Ryan Moody. MNU still holds a commanding lead in the overall Heart series, but Benedictine is 7-3 in their last 10 and holds a 12-4 record at home since the 2007-08 season.
Today's game is the final for the month of January for the Ravens. So far in January, the Ravens are shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc - both figures well above their season-long averages. They have increased their points per game average to 74.9 while
Continuing with the January theme, three Ravens are averaging in double figures with Sam Ungashick leading the way at 16.3 ppg. Jayden Temme is next at 13.1 ppg while Braden Belt is averaging 12.9 ppg. The trio accounts for 74 percent (60 of 81) of the Ravens total 3-pointers in the month.
MNU is anchored by Anthony Brown. The 2022 NAIA All-America selection leads the Pioneers in scoring (19.2), rebounds (9.3), assists (80), and steals (34). He ranks fourth in the Heart in scoring and steals.
Through 21 games, the Pioneers rank 10th in the NAIA in field goal percentage at 50.3 percent. They rank second in the Heart in the same category. They also rank second in the Heart in 3-pointers at 37.1 percent and are the fourth-leading scorers in the Heart at 82.3 points.
Wednesday's game with CMU marked the first time in 21 games that Benedictine was not plus or minus on the glass. Both the Ravens and the Eagles finished with 38 rebounds. The Ravens are 10-3 in conference play this season when they win the rebounding battle while they are 2-1 when losing the rebounding battle.
Benedictine has limited their opponents to 70.7 ppg so far this season (71.8 in Heart play). In the previous 11 seasons under Ryan Moody, the Ravens have held their opponent's season scoring average under 71 points nine times.
Outside of the first season under Coach Moody, the Ravens have finished at 35 percent or better from beyond the arc. At 36.9 percent through 21 games, the Ravens are on pace for the 7th-best percent under Moody.
Up Next: The Ravens will make their final trip to Springfield, Mo., to take on NAIA-ranked Evangel University on Wednesday as the Valor are leaving the Heart after this season. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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