ROLLA, Mo. – The Ouachita men's basketball team received 22 votes in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches Poll, sitting just outside the top 25 rankings.
The Tigers' 13-3 record and 9-1 start in Great American Conference play has fueled the rise in national attention. Ouachita ranks third nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 60.3 points per contest. The Tigers limit opponents to just 38% shooting from the floor, which ranks seventh among Division II schools.
The Tigers are led by graduate senior guard Devon Hancock, averaging 18.1 points through 16 games, which ranks third in the GAC. Junior forward Christian Parks leads the GAC with 40 blocks, while freshman guard Jaxon Conley leads the league with 42 steals.
Ouachita's resume improved after rallying back to defeat No. 14 Southern Nazarene 83-75 last Saturday, which delivered Head Coach Dennis Nutt 200 wins in his 15th season with the Tigers. The Crimson Storm slid to No. 18 in Tuesday's poll.
Ouachita (13-3, 9-1 GAC) hosts cross-street rival Henderson State (8-8, 5-5 GAC) in a 'Blackout' themed men's and women's basketball double-header on Thursday, with tip-off for the men's game scheduled at 7:30 p.m. inside Bill Vining Arena.
