William Penn University’s men’s basketball team is preparing for the opening round of the NAIA national tournament.  The Statesmen will host Bellevue Friday night (3/11) in a first round matchup at Penn Gymnasium.  The Statesmen come into the tournament ranked number one in the country with a 30-1 record and they’re seeded first in their 16-team bracket.  Statesmen Coach John Henry doesn’t mind that at all.

“We don’t shy away from being the number one seed or the number one ranked team.  I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I’d rather be on top and be ranked as high as possible, maybe even overrated.  That means you’re  pretty dang good.  And these kids embrace that.”

Friday’s William Penn/Bellevue game tips off at 6:00.  Prior to that game, Dordt faces Indiana University-Kokomo in another NAIA first round game at 3:00.  Friday’s winners will play Saturday (3/12) at 4:00 for a trip to Kansas City for the remainder of the NAIA nationals.