Oskaloosa–Several programs behind the Statesmen also fell, so William Penn’s 1-1 week did not damage its poll position as the NAIA released its fifth Division I men’s basketball rating Tuesday.
The Statesmen (17-3, 10-2 Heart) remain #6 and now own 204 points. Peru State (Neb.) has moved up to #21, while MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) re-enters the top 25 at #23. Avila (Mo.) is in the receiving votes section, unofficially 28th in the NAIA.
Pikeville (Ky.) is again #1 with 247 points and eight first-place votes. LSU Alexandria (one first-place vote), Lewis-Clark State (Idaho), Columbia (Mo.), and Georgetown (Ky.) (one first-place vote) round out the top five.
William Penn is home Wednesday, hosting Missouri Valley in Heart of America Athletic Conference action at 7:30 p.m.
NAIA Men’s Basketball Rating #5 – January 26, 2016
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. Pikeville (Ky.) (8)
2. LSU-Alexandria (1)
3. Lewis-Clarke State (Idaho)
4. Columbia (Mo.)
5. Georgetown (Ky.) (1)
6. William Penn
7. Hope International (Calif.)
7. Mid-America Christian (Okla.)
9. Talladega (Ala.)
10. Arizona Christian
11. Biola (Calif.)
12. Texas Wesleyan
13. Langston (Okla.)
14. Carroll (Mont.)
15. Westmont (Calif.)
16. Park (Mo.)
17. Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)
18. Campbellsville (Ky.)
19. William Carey (Miss.)
20. SAGU (Texas)
21. Peru State (Neb.)
22. Our Lady of the Lake (Texas)
23. MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)
24. Dillard (La.)
25. William Woods (Mo.)
25. Montana Western
Others receiving votes: Mobile (Ala.) 32; Xavier (La.) 30; Avila (Mo.) 29; Middle Georgia State 27; Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 25; Cumberlands (Ky.) 15; LSU Shreveport (La.) 9; William Jessup (Calif.) 3.
Wade Steinlage
