The Lancers Hold the Top Spot Heading Into the Holiday Break in the Third Coaches’ Top 25 Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Grace (Ind.) maintains the No. 1 spot ahead of the holiday break, and the Lancers are also one of the few teams remaining without a loss on the season. The third NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Poll of the season had five teams rise into the top 25 with Carroll (Mont.), Pikeville (Ky.), Benedictine Mesa (Ariz.), Graceland (Iowa), and LSU Shreveport (La.).

The first half of the season was a blast as teams found their identity, and a handful of conference games are now in the books. However, the real fun begins after the holiday break, as the Road to Muni heats up. The fourth coaches’ Top 25 poll will be released on Jan. 14.

	1. Grace (Ind.)Notes: Grace continues to build on a dominant offensive identity that holds them at No. 1 for the second straight NAIA Coaches’ Poll. The Lancers have maintained an impressive perfect overall record (10-0) and unblemished conference mark (4-0), showing consistency on both ends of the floor. GC reflects one of the nation’s most efficient offenses, averaging around 96 points per game on over 55% shooting overall, while also getting to the free-throw line and converting at a solid clip. Defensively, the Lancers have limited opponents to the low 70s, resulting in a strong scoring margin of over 23 points/game. Multiple guards and forwards have contributed to steady scoring, and the team’s size and versatility have paid dividends on the glass and in transition. The Lancer’s ability to sustain high percentages on two-point attempts while still spacing the floor with high three-point efficiency has kept pressure on opponents throughout this recent stretch.
	2. Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)Notes: Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) has had a strong start to the first half of the season with a 13-1 record as they hold inside the top-five after the fall semester. The Lions have been solid on the offensive end of the floor with a +30.1 scoring margin that speaks to both offensive balance and intense defense. FHU shoots nearly 50% from the floor, is active on the glass, and forces turnovers that translate quickly into transition points. The Lions have rattled off multiple double-digit wins since the end of November, including convincing performances at “The Show” event, such as an 81–49 road victory against Columbia International (S.C.). Their scoring balance, coupled with active steals and blocks, has allowed them to control tempo against a variety of opponents.
	3. Cumberlands (Ky.)Notes:  Cumberlands (Ky.) Patriots have shown consistent dominance, climbing six spots this week to No. 3 Coaches’ Poll with an undefeated 8-0 stretch since late November, highlighted by strong offensive execution and balanced team play. Since the second coaches’ poll, the Patriots have averaged 91.1 points per game while holding their opponents to 72.1 points. The Patriots’ efficiency is anchored in solid shooting, nearly 38.5% from three-point range and 47.4% overall, while outrebounding their foes by nearly eight per game and posting a strong assist-to-turnover ratio. Senior guard Kyle Duke continues to lead the charge with just over 22 points per game, supported by Andrew McConnell and Brady Bell, who have been steady contributors and threats from beyond the arc.
	4. Arizona ChristianNotes: Arizona Christian has been one of the more balanced teams in the NAIA. ACU’s offense has averaged approximately 80.5 points per game, while its defense holds opponents to around 71.7, resulting in a positive scoring margin of 8.8 that reflects on both ends of the floor. The Firestorm shoots efficiently from the floor (46.0% FG, 34.1% 3-PT) and gets to the line at a high rate, complementing their strength on the boards with nearly seven more rebounds per game than opponents. Since Nov. 26, ACU has notched key wins, including close contests against quality competition, and has remained competitive even in its two losses. Their rebounding gap and ability to score off turnovers continue to be catalysts for positive stretches, while the positive differential in free-throw attempts reinforces their aggressiveness in attacking the rim.
	5. Langston (Okla.)Notes: Langston (Okla.) has been one of the more intriguing defensive teams in the early portion of the season. Over the last few weeks, the Lions have been averaging 76.8 points per game while holding opponents to just 62.8, thanks to efficient shooting (47.1% FG) and strong free-throw conversion (73%). Their rebounding edge (about 35.4 boards per game compared to 28.8 for opponents) and positive points off turnovers. Key players through the first half of the season, Omar Henry (14.4 PPG), Orlando Thomas (13.8 PPG), Marcedus Leech (11.0 PPG), and Treshawn Cody (10.0 PPG) have formed a multi-threat scoring attack, giving Langston balanced production rather than dependence on a single star.
	6. Oklahoma WesleyanNotes: Oklahoma Wesleyan (Okla.) has continued to climb back up the standings over the last few weeks, entering December with a strong 10-2 overall record (6-1 in KCAC). Since Nov. 26, the Eagles have averaged 78.3 points per game while holding opponents to 69.3. Oklahoma Wesleyan’s offense has been solid from distance (34.9%) and overall shooting (45.0%), while its defense forces turnovers at a high clip (about 5.3 more turnovers forced per game than committed). The Eagles also excel on the glass, with nearly 37 total rebounds per game and a rebounding margin of more than five, helping sustain second-chance opportunities and limit opponents’ transition play.
	7. Bethel (Ind.)Notes: The Pilots are riding a 10‑1 overall record into the holiday break, including a strong 5‑0 mark in road or neutral settings, while posting a favorable 3‑1 Crossroads League mark since late November. The Pilots’ scoring has been prolific, regularly surpassing 80 points per game, with multiple games eclipsing 100 points as Bethel’s offense thrives on pace, efficient ball movement, and balanced scoring from its roster. Their recent stretch includes convincing victories over Holy Cross (Ind.) (74‑65), Rochester Christian (Ohio) (88‑77), Michigan‑Dearborn (106‑78), Saint Xavier (Ill.) (113‑92), Marian (Ind.)(83‑68), and Goshen (Ind.) (112‑76). All fueled by offensive firepower and consistent production from starters like Jameir Jefferson, Colin Comer, Luke McBride, Beau Jacquay, and Andrew Hedrick. The Pilots have shown improved defensive engagement and rebounding strength, too, contributing to their ability to control games and sustain scoring runs.
	8. Ave Maria (Fla.)Notes: Ave Maria (Fla.) hits the holiday break on the toes of a great first half of the season with standout scoring and efficiency. Since late November, the Gyrenes have posted a scoring margin of +13, with great shooting across the board, nearly 49% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Ave’s offense thrives on ball movement (14.3 assists per game) and taking care of the rock, while their rebounding edge (41.4 boards per game) consistently generates second‑chance opportunities. Defensively, Ave Maria has controlled the floor effectively, contributing to extra possessions with roughly 4.8 blocks and 6.8 steals per game, providing balance to their uptempo style. Senior leaders like Jonathan Effertz (17.1 PPG), Marlon Bennett (16.8), and Michael Klekas (15.0) have paced the scoring.
	9. Indiana TechNotes: Indiana Tech (Ind.) has averaged 89.0 points per game while holding opponents to 76.8. The Warriors’ offense has been powered by solid shooting, over 50% from the field and about 40% from three‑point range, with a positive assist/turnover ratio (1.9). Indiana Tech also generates roughly 7.3 steals and about 3.8 blocks per game, giving them extra possessions when it counts.
	10. Indiana WesleyanNotes: The Wildcats sport a 9‑2 overall record, and are averaging a +18.1 scoring margin that ranks among the nation’s best. Their offense has been efficient on the floor, shooting over 51% from the field and nearly 40% from three‑point range. IWU consistently outrebounds opponents with a +10.4 rebounding margin. Indiana Wesleyan can also share the ball, averaging 17.7 assists per game.

Key:
RV – Receiving Votes | NR – Not Ranked | Climbed -▲ |Dropped -▼ | Steady – ●

Poll Methodology

• The national poll is for publicity purposes only and does not influence the selection process for national championship consideration.
• A panel of head coaches representing each conference and the Continental Athletic Conference (Independents) votes in the poll.
• The Top 25 teams are selected using a points-based system:
  • 30 points for a 1st-place vote, 29 for 2nd, 28 for 3rd, and so on.
• The highest and lowest rankings received by each team are discarded before final tallying.
• Teams receiving only one point are not listed as “receiving votes.”
• For the Preseason Poll, there is no “previous ranking” column since it is the initial poll and differs from the prior rating system.