Preview of NAIA Men’s Basketball: Union Commonwealth at Bluefield

BLUEFIELD, Va. (Interstat) — Two Appalachian Athletic Conference teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Union Commonwealth Bulldogs visit the Bluefield Rams at Dome Gymnasium.

The Bulldogs (8-13) enter with a more successful overall record but have dropped three of their last four games. Their most recent outing was a 76-60 road loss at Spartanburg Methodist on Saturday. Guard Dallas Rufus, a key player to watch, scored 20 points in that contest. Over his last seven games, Rufus has averaged 16.1 points, demonstrating consistent scoring punch for Union Commonwealth.

Bluefield (3-11) has struggled for wins but has shown recent offensive life, despite results. The Rams are coming off a narrow 92-87 home loss to Carolina University on Monday. In that game, forward Danny Alford posted a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Alford has been a bright spot, averaging 13.1 points and 7.6 rebounds over his last seven appearances, including a 25-point, 8-rebound performance in a win over CIU on Jan. 7.

The season’s first meeting between these teams on Dec. 3 saw Union Commonwealth secure an 83-77 home victory. The Bulldogs will look to replicate that result and complete the regular-season sweep.

For Union Commonwealth, success may hinge on supporting Rufus. In their Dec. 3 win over Bluefield, Jamarion Gaines and Jabari Covington combined for 27 points. Similar secondary production will be needed. The Bulldogs have shown an ability to score, but consistency has been elusive.

Bluefield’s path likely depends on controlling the interior through Alford and containing Union Commonwealth’s perimeter attack. The Rams have allowed 87 or more points in three of their last four games, a trend they must reverse to secure a home conference win.

Wednesday’s matchup tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST. Following this game, Bluefield travels to face Tennessee Wesleyan on Saturday, while Union Commonwealth hosts Tennessee Wesleyan on Jan. 28.