The Lowdown: Langston University (RV) at No. 1 Mid-America Christian University
Time: Nov. 15 @ 7 p.m.
Location: Gaulke Activity Center, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Live Video:
Live Stats:
The Dish on the Evangels: The No. 1-ranked Mid-America Christian University Evangels are now 3-0 on the season after a hard-fought, 96-87 victory over Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.) last Thursday night (Nov. 10).
With the lead at just four late in the second half, Devonse Reed stepped up and delivered a clutch three-pointer with 1:19 remaining.
Ex'Zavia Seaton then came through with some big rebounds on the defensive end and proceeded to hit five-of-six at the free-throw line over the final 29 seconds to seal the win.
Reed leads seven Evangels in double-figure scoring this season with 17.0 ppg, followed by Olajuwon Garner with 16.3 ppg and a team-high seven three-pointers.
Seaton leads the Evangels with 7.3 rpg and Malcom Mann has dished out a team-best 20 assists.
Other Evangels averaging in double-figures are: Tyler Chaisson (16.0 ppg), Devante Moore (11.7 ppg), Jordan Rhodes (11.0 ppg), Mann (10.7 ppg) and Seaton (10.3 ppg).
The Dish on the Lions: The Langston University Lions received votes in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Coaches' poll, coming in at No. 28 overall. The Lions are 3-1 this season, with all three wins coming over Sooner Athletic Conference members. Langston has defeated Southwestern Christian University twice and opened the season with a 78-76 win at USAO. The Lions' lone setback came at home to Southwestern (Kan.), 91-84.
Curtis Jones is scoring a team-high 16.8 ppg this season for the Lions, while Terrell Jones is averaging a double-double of 12.5 ppg along with a team-best 10.3 rebounds. Jamal McDowell leads the Lions with 14 assists on the season.
The Series: The Evangels have won all four meetings against Langston since joining the NAIA, including two victories last season. MACU won at home over the Lions 79-73 and then defeated LU 100-95 on the road.
Best in the Land: The defending NAIA National Champion Mid-America Christian University Evangels have begun the year in the same spot they ended last season, as the Evangels are ranked No. 1 in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Coaches' Poll for the first time in school history.
MACU is also the top-ranked squad in the initial National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Top 10 rankings.
The Coaches:
In his first season at the helm of the Mid-America Christian University Evangel men's basketball program, head coach Josh Gamblin made a historic, immediate impact. Gamblin guided the Evangels to their first-ever NAIA National Championship, capping off the memorable title run with a thrilling, 100-99 overtime victory over then No. 1-ranked Georgetown (Ky.). In the process, Gamblin become the youngest coach (27 years old) in college basketball history to win a national championship at a four-year institution.
Following the championship triumph, Gamblin was named the 2015-16 Rawlings-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coach of the Year. His character influence was also felt throughout the year, culminating with the program receiving the Dr. James Naismith-Emil S. Liston Sportsmanship award at the conclusion of the NAIA National Tournament.
Overall, Gamblin is 31-9 at the helm of the Evangels.
Recently, Gamblin had the privilege of speaking at the Nike Championship Basketball Clinic on the campus of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. Gamblin presented the topic "Covering the Pick and Roll" to attendees and was joined by other premier coaches and players from around the U.S., including coaches Lon Kruger and Sherri Coale from the University of Oklahoma and retired NBA center Swen Nater.
Gamblin came to MACU from the University of Oklahoma, where he was a Graduate Assistant Coach under Head Coach Lon Kruger. There he assisted in all practices and logged scout games. Gamblin also worked with coaches on opponent scouting reports for a squad that advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament last season.
"We really appreciate all of Josh's assistance during his time with the Sooners and I know he'll do a fantastic job," Kruger said. "MACU is lucky to have him."
Prior to arriving at OU, Gamblin served two-years at Southwestern Christian University (SCU) as lead Assistant Coach on Head Coach Quinn Wooldridge's staff. Gamblin's duties at SCU involved recruiting, leading film sessions and analyzing opponent's scouting reports.
During the 2011-12 basketball season, Gamblin worked in the NBA as the Intern Video Coordinator for the Los Angeles Clippers under then-Head Coach Vinny Del Negro. Gamblin helped prepare pre-game scouting reports for the Clippers, as well as logging all opponent games and being involved in coaches meetings. His efforts with the Clippers led to the best winning percentage in team history.
"Josh has worked at the highest level and continually strives to learn and become a better coach each day," Del Negro said. "He is constantly working to improve his craft and striving for excellence is everything he does."
Off the court, Gamblin has served as Clippers' All-Star Forward Blake Griffin's Summer Basketball Trainer for the past three seasons. Gamblin helped Griffin prepare for upcoming basketball seasons by working on a number of offensive and defensive drills—specifically pick and roll coverages, low post moves and ball handling drills.
Gamblin's collegiate-athlete experience includes, but not limited to: competed at SCU on the Men's Basketball team from 2007-11; Varsity Captain (twice); named SCU Male Newcomer of the Year in 2008; and selected as Team MVP for the 2011 season. Additional honors include: Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) Honorable-Mention All-America honors in 2010; a Midlands Collegiate Athletic All-Conference selection in 2011; and named "Mr. Southwestern" in 2011, (awarded to the student who exemplifies the values, traditions and spirit of SCU). After the 2011 season, Gamblin received the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete award.
He graduated from SCU in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and is currently enrolled in the IAA Master's program at the University of Oklahoma.
Gamblin and his wife Jennifer live in Oklahoma City with their one-year old son Miles.
Stan Holt is in his third season at the helm of the Langston University Lions. Holt led the Lions to a Red River Athletic tournament championship in his second season that resulted in an NAIA National Tournament berth. The Lions ended the season ranked 17th in the final poll with a record of 25-7.
Holt had NCAA D-I coaching experience prior to taking over the program at Langston University, including serving on the staff at USC and helping with the development of players such as Toronto Raptor's All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan, forward Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson.
Up Next: The Evangels will remain at home and host Haskell Indian Nations University Friday evening (Nov. 18) at 6 p.m. inside the Gaulke Activity Center.
