Number 1 Visits KC This Weekend

Catch a glimpse of Mountain State University (WV), the number one team in the February 24 NAIA Division I Men’s ratings. MSU will travel to Parkville, Missouri to take on the Pirates of Park University at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28. Mountain State is the 2003 NAIA Division I national runner-up. MSU leads the nation in scoring offense at 97.5 points per game. Six players average double digit points for the Cougars, led by six-seven forward Zach Moss with 22.3. The two teams met earlier in the season on the home floor of MSU with the Cougars winning 84-57. Park Coach Claude English’s squad is 10-17 heading into their final home game of the season.

Azusa Pacific End Concordia’s Win Streak

Azusa Pacific knocked off the Concordia Eagles on February 21 in a battle of NAIA Top 5 teams. The loss ended Concordia’s 22 game win streak and 16 game road winning streak. Azusa jumped out early at home, building a 22 point lead at halftime, 56-34. The lead stretched to 28 early in the second half before Concordia started their outstanding comeback. Concordia’s second half run was able to pull them within four points in the final minute before Azusa Pacific hit clutch free throws to seal the win 94-88. The loss dropped Concordia to 23-2 and raised Azusa Pacific’s record to 24-4.

Nick VanderLaan, a 6-10 senior, led the way for the Concordia Eagles registering a season-best of 29 points and 16 rebounds, 16 and 9 in the second half. It was his twelfth consecutive double-double. Tanner Luster and Chris Victor each scored 16 points in the losing effort.

Azusa Pacific was led by point guard Larry English who had 18 points and handed out seven assists. Lance Soderberg and Nate Pratt each added 16 points in the Cougar victory.

Rankings and Statistics

To check out the latest Top 25 rankings click here…
To check out the latest NAIA stats click here…


Tournament Events

The 2004 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship is quickly approaching and there are many exciting events happening around and throughout the tournament. Below is a list of fun events surrounding the tournament:  The first half (Tues., March 23 through Fri., March 26) were covered in Issue 3, Feb. 20.

Brown Bag Day (Friday, March 26)
The tradition is back! Bring your own brown bag lunch and/or snack to Municipal Auditorium and enjoy the basketball games. (No drinks are allowed.)

DST Youth Day (Saturday, March 27)
From Noon until 1:30 p.m., youth can participate in a skills clinic and receive free admission to the basketball games by attending a special presentation at Municipal Auditorium. Mascots from the metro area will be attendance including KC Wolf (KC Chiefs), Slugger (KC Royals), Sir Dunkalot (KC Knights), Sizzle (KC T-Bones), Fuzzy (KC Comets) and more!

Recognition of Championship Anniversary Years for Four Teams (Saturday, March 27)
Before the 6:00 p.m. game St. Benedict’s College (Benedictine) will be honored for their 50th anniversary and Fort Hays State University will be recognized for their 20th. Prior to the 8:00 p.m. game, Rockhurst University will be recognized for their 40th anniversary and Drury College (Drury University) will be honored for their 25th.

Special Olympics Clinic (Sunday, March 28)
Teams and coaches from the final four teams will conduct a skills clinic for Special Olympians from across the area. Admission is free.

Chamber Taste of the NAIA (Monday, March 29)
This is a time for championship basketball, championship food and championship fun! Come to the Municipal Auditorium Exhibit Hall and get a sample of foods from metro area restaurants while networking with chamber members from chambers of commerce across the metro. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at your local chamber of commerce (Spring Hill, Olathe, and Greater Kansas City).

Tournament Tailgate/Fan Fest (Tuesday, March 30)
This downtown celebration of the NAIA National Championship Game features live entertainment along with food and beverage provided by Hereford House. The celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. and lasts until tip-off (7:00 p.m.) in Barney Allis Plaza across the street from Municipal Auditorium.

U.S. Bank Champions Night (Tuesday, March 30)
During the championship game, area champion athletes will be recognized for their achievements.

Sign Up Now to Receive More Tournament Newsletters
This email newsletter is to keep the Kansas City Metropolitan Area aware of the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship. Forward this to your friends and family so that they may sign up now to receive this newsletter.  Contact information you provide will not be shared and will be used only to provide periodic updates about the Buffalo Funds NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship.


How to Get Involved in the Action
 Purchase your tickets now. [Find tickets at ticketmaster.com!] Fill out the group ticket order form and fax to 913-782-4636 or mail to Olathe Chamber of Commerce, Attn: NAIA Basketball Tickets, P.O. Box 98, Olathe, KS 66051-0098. For questions or to purchase group tickets, call 913-764-1050 or 800-921-5678.   

Visit the official Tournament site to keep up with all the latest Tournament developments!

 		 
  Special Thanks

The Olathe Chamber of Commerce and the NAIA would like to send a special thank you to this year’s sponsors of the National Championship: BlueCross and BlueShield of Kansas City, Buffalo Funds, Cedar Creek Properties, DST Systems, Inc., Coca-Cola North America, City of Kansas City, Fox 4 Love Fund, Gilmore and Bell, Harlan C. Parker Insurance Agency, Inc., Hereford House, KCP&L, Metro Sports, Olathe Ford, The Kansas City Star, The Majestic Steakhouse, US Bank and all Honorary Coaches.  See the complete details on sponsors at sports.olathe.org!

Register for "The Best Seats in the House" Contest!

Relax and enjoy the game from two recliners at the end of the court. One email fan will win this per game. Register now for a chance to win!


Tournament Schedule
 [Find tickets @ ticketmaster.com]

Wednesday March 24
Day Sessions 9:00 am 10:45 am 12:30 pm 2:15 pm
Night Sessions 4:30 pm 6:15 pm 8:45 pm 10:30 pm

Thursday March 25
Day Sessions 9:00 am 10:45 am 12:30 pm 2:15 pm
Night Sessions 4:30 pm 6:15 pm 8:00 pm 9:45 pm

Friday March 26
Day Sessions 9:00 am 10:45 am 12:30 pm 2:15 pm
Night Sessions 4:30 pm 6:15 pm 8:00 pm 9:45 pm

Saturday March 27
Quarterfinals
2:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm 8:00 pm

Monday March 29
Semifinals
6:00 pm 8:00 pm

Tuesday March 30
Championship Game - 7:00 pm

[Find tickets at ticketmaster.com!]

Learn more about these events and more at http://sports.olathe.org/  

 

 

Register for "The Best Seats in the House" Contest!

Relax and enjoy the game from two recliners at the end of the court. One email fan will win this per game. Register now for a chance to win!