LAKE WALES – Fla. - Starting tomorrow at 5:00 PM, Warner University is set to host the Holiday Inn Express Classic, featuring the men's basketball teams from Warner, Midland University, and the University of Rio Grande (OH.)
The Royals currently hold a record of 8-6 on the season, as they just dropped two games to NAIA ranked teams, the #19 University of Saint Francis (Ind.), and #4 Indiana Wesleyan University. Five of Warner's six losses have been to teams ranked NAIA #19 or higher.
As of the December 11
th poll, Warner currently sits at #21 in the NAIA top 25. The Royals hold a perfect 4-0 record at home and are a tough team to beat when everything is clicking.
Royals Player to watch:
Khalil Ozuna
- Offensively leads the Royals shooting 49% from the field, contributing 257 total points.
| Ranks Number 12 in Division II in Total Total Rebounds (140) |
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- Ranks Number 18 in Division II in Total Rebounds per Game (10.000)
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- Ranks Number 19 in Division II in Defensive Rebounds per Game (7.357)
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- Ranks Number 41 in Division II in Total Scoring (257)
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- Ranks Number 44 in Division II in Total Blocks (15)
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- Ranks Number 49 in Division II in Offensive Rebounds per Game (2.643)
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Midland University holds a record of 5-8, and are coming into this tournament with a few games against ranked teams as well.
Player to Watch:
Bryce Parsons
- Ranks # 35 in NAIA Division II for total assists with 55.
- Leads his team in shots from the field, with 82 shots made with a %52.6.
The University of Rio Grande is currently 7-7, and have also tested their abilities against ranked teams such as #2 Indiana University East, and #15 Mount Vernon Nazarene.
Player to watch:
Gunner Short
- Co-leads his team with points made (55).
- Currently shooting a 76% from the free throw line.
Here is a comparison of the three team's current statistics:
| Statistic |
Warner University |
Midland University |
University of Rio Grande |
| Field Goal % |
47% |
48% |
42% |
| 3-Point % |
35% |
34% |
34% |
| Free Throw % |
71% |
66% |
68% |
| Rebounds |
546 |
404 |
524 |
| Assists |
212 |
117 |
167 |
| Blocks |
48 |
23 |
38 |
| Steals |
93 |
61 |
69 |
The Royals will compete first tomorrow night at 5:00 PM against Midland University. Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 PM Warner will take on The University of Rio Grande. Then Rio Grande and Midland will square off Thursday at 4:00 PM. All games are located in the Turner Athletic Center and live stats/video will be availbe via the Royals Sports Network.
