The Lowdown: Haskell Indian Nations University at No. 1 Mid-America Christian University
Time: Nov. 18 @ 6 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 currently 3-1 this season, suffering their first loss to Langston University, 89-75 on Tuesday night (Nov. 15) that snapped an eight-game winning streak dating back to the NAIA National Championship run last year.
The Evangels are led in scoring this season by Tyler Chaisson's 17.5 ppg, followed by Devonse Reed with 16.3 ppg.
Olajuwon Garner is scoring 14.0 ppg and Devante Moore is averaging 11.7 ppg. Robert Romero is also scoring in double-figures at 10.8 ppg.
Ex'Zavia Seaton has a team-high 8.8 rebounds per game for MACU, including a career-best 13 boards in the loss to Langston.
Malcolm Mann has dished out a team-high 28 assists thus far.
The Dish on the Indians: The Haskell Indian Nations University Indians, an NAIA D-II Independent program, enter tonight's contest at 1-5 on the season. The Indians lost their first five games but are coming off an 87-72 win over Ottawa University last Saturday (Nov. 12) at the Hampton Inn Classic.
A common opponent for both schools this season is the Lindenwood-Belleville Lynx. MACU defeated Lindenwood 96-87 at home, while the Indians were knocked off by the Lynx 109-92 on the road.
George Hill is leading the Indians in scoring this season with 14.3 ppg, followed by T'salidi Seqouia's 13.0 ppg and team-leading 8.2 rebounds per game. Zach Bruns is averaging 12.7 ppg, while Bryon Elledge is scoring 10.0 ppg along with a team-high 22 assists on the season.
The Series: The Evangels have won all three meetings against Haskell as an NAIA program. The Evangels opened the season with a 103-72 home victory over the Indians last season and then won 103-64 at Haskell in the second matchup last year. MACU also bested the Indians 84-72 in the first meeting between the schools in the 2010-11 season.
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 31-10 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.
Matthew Downing is in his first season as head coach of the Haskell Indian Nations University Indians.
Up Next: The Evangels will host Kansas Christian College on Tuesday (Nov. 22) at 3 p.m. inside the Gaulke Activity Center.
