November 2, 2006
Contact: Evangel University Athletics 865-2815, Ext. 7282
The NAIA II men’s basketball poll was released today and Evangel is ranked No. 3 in the nation on the initial top-25 list of the 2006-07 season. The Crusaders totaled 463 points.
College of the Ozarks, a Nov. 7 home opponent and Jan. 23 road opponent for Evangel, is No. 1 on the preseason list. The Bobcats are the defending national champions and received 510 points and all 17 first place votes. Huntington University ( Ind.), a Dec. 21 road for the Crusaders and the 2006 national runner-up to College of the Ozarks, is No. 2 with 486 points. College of the Ozarks defeated Huntington 74-56 to win the national title last season. EU lost 104-93 to Huntington in the second round of the 2006 national tournament.
Evangel finished 24-11 last season and was ranked No. 20 on the final 2005-06 national poll. EU tied for third place in the conference with MidAmerica Nazarene in 2005-06, however, the Crusaders caught fire and won the conference postseason tournament and advanced to the second round of the NAIA II national tournament, losing to Huntington.
View the preseason ratings on NAIA's website