Preview: Central Methodist Eagles at Benedictine Ravens

ATCHISON, Kan. (Interstat) — Two NAIA men’s basketball teams on contrasting trajectories will meet Saturday when the Central Methodist Eagles visit the Benedictine Ravens at Ralph Nolan Gymnasium.

The Eagles (13-8) enter with momentum, having won three straight, including a dominant 97-65 road victory at William Woods on Wednesday. The Ravens (9-10) snapped a two-game skid with a 76-73 overtime win at Peru State on Monday.

Central Methodist’s recent surge has been fueled by forward Austin Prater. The standout is coming off a monstrous 20-point, 17-rebound performance against William Woods, his third double-double in the last five games. Over that stretch, he is averaging a double-double, providing a consistent interior presence for an Eagles offense that has scored 85 or more points in three consecutive wins. Guards Tyson Oghene (24 points Wednesday) and Isaiah Reams (15 points, 12 assists) offer potent perimeter balance.

Benedictine will counter with its own versatile forward in Preston Reynolds. He nearly posted a double-double in the OT win over Peru State, finishing with 14 points and nine rebounds. Reynolds has been a steady contributor, averaging 8.1 points and 6.1 rebounds over his last seven games. Guard Brycen LaRue, who scored 21 points against Peru State, provides a key scoring punch for the Ravens.

The matchup presents a classic contrast. Central Methodist seeks to extend its winning streak and solidify its record with a road victory, leveraging Prater’s inside dominance and a high-scoring attack. Benedictine aims to defend its home court, build on its gritty overtime win, and climb back to .500 by disrupting the Eagles’ rhythm.

Saturday’s contest is scheduled for a 4 p.m. tipoff. Following this game, Central Methodist visits Missouri Valley on Feb. 4, while Benedictine hosts Culver-Stockton (Mo.) on the same date.