Pikeville Climbs to No. 12 in NAIA Coaches' Poll

1. Grace (Ind.)

Notes:  Then there was one. The Lancers are the last standing undefeated team in the nation, holding the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive release. Grace ranks among the top 10 nationally in 12 different categories, including first in assists per game at 22.8 per game, second in points per game (94.4), and field goals made per game (34.9). The Lancers are allowing only 73.2 points per game on average and working off a .923 offensive efficiency.

2. Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)

Notes: The Lions of Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) are currently riding a 14-game winning streak that dates back to Nov. 5 with Life (Ga.). The Lions are outscoring opponents by an average of 14.5 points since Dec. 17. Opening conference action, they are underwater in rebound margin at -4.0, but as you move down the top 10 teams, you'll see that the bench is playing a big role in games. With the bench chipping in with an average of 38.8 points per game since the third release, FHU is converting on second chances and getting it done in the paint as well, with an average of 42.5 points per game.

3. Bethel (Ind.)

Notes: The Pilots climb to No. 3 in the fourth release, marking their highest ranking since the March 1, 2017, release when men's basketball in the NAIA was divided into two divisions. Averaging 92.5 points per game and 34.4 field goals made per game, the Pilots rank sixth and fourth nationally in those respective categories as they ride an eight-game winning streak dating back to Dec. 6. Bethel sits at an offensive efficiency of 1.226 as they share the ball well, averaging nearly 20 assists per game this season.

4. Oklahoma Welseyan

Notes: OKWU is back on track to kick off KCAC play and make a push back into the national tournament field. Carrying a four-game win streak into the four national poll release, the Eagles are fifth in opponents' turnovers per game, forcing just over 19 per game, with nearly 12 steals per game

5. Ave Maria (Fla.)

Notes: Sitting at 16-1 overall, the Gyrenes have been climbing the polls steadily since early December. After being handed their only loss so far back on Nov. 29, Ave had rattled off six straight wins, two of which they scored triple digits as a team. They have also been playing extremely well since the last poll release back on December 17, outscoring opponents by an average of 13.5 points. The Gyrenes bench has played a critical part since the last release, averaging 26 points per game over four games.

6. Keiser (Fla.)

Notes: Sitting at 14-1 overall and perfect in SUN conference play so far, the Seahawks have been led by James Camerin since the third top 25 release. Camerin, over the previous six games, has averaged 20.5 points per game, totaling 123 points. As a team, Keiser is averaging 84.5 points and shooting over 53% in the same time frame, grabbing over 40 total boards per game as they control the glass for a +11.8 rebound margin; the Seahawks are nearly doubling opponents in boards per game as they have been allowing just an average of 66.7 points per game a +17.8 margin in that category as well.

7. Langston (Okla.)

Notes: The Lions sit at 13-3 overall and got back on track against Southwestern Christian with a 90-54 victory back on Jan. 10. LU is still playing great basketball, averaging 76 points per game since the release of the third poll. Langston has been sharing the ball and finding chances with their 12.3 assists per game. LU is shooting the ball at a clip of 46.6% from the floor and 41.5% from deep over the same time frame. Since Dec. 17, the Lions have been holding opponents to shooting just 35.8% from the floor and 27.7% from beyond the arc.

8. Cumberlands (Ky.)

Notes: Since Dec. 17, they have been on the positive side of all major margins, including scoring at 11.8 points per game, rebounding at 3.8, and forcing 2.3 more turnovers than they commit. The bench has been playing a critical role for UC in that stretch over four games, contributing to nearly 33 points per game. Meanwhile, points in the paint are a significant part of Cumberlads' game, averaging 38.5 points per game. UC carries a 15-3 overall record and currently sits at 0-2 in Mid-South Conference play.

9. Hope International (Calif.)

Notes: At 15-2, the Royals haven't been running through opponents since the Dec. 17 poll release, but they have had to grind out wins. With only a 4.0 scoring margin, their largest win in that time frame was against Benedictine Mesa (Ariz.) 84-75; all other results have been between a few possessions. HIU is perfect in Great Southwest action at 5-0 and currently on a six-game winning streak as they jump from No. 13 to No. 9 this week.

10. Arizona Christian

Notes: At 13-4 overall, the Firestorm have won their previous three games. Despite having a +2.3 turnover margin, they have found ways to secure wins in one- or two-possession games. Sporting an 8.8 scoring margin and grabbing eight more boards per game than opponents since Dec. 17, ACU ranks second nationally in free throws made per game at 18.8, showing they aren't afraid to take the foul and step to the charity stripe.