GEORGETOWN, ARIZ. CHRISTIAN MEET IN NAIA ROUND OF 16

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Interstat) — A rematch of a one-point thriller from November will determine who advances to the NAIA Men’s Basketball Championship quarterfinals when the Georgetown (Ky.) Tigers face the Arizona Christian Firestorm on Thursday.

The Tigers (21-8), seeded in the final bracket, arrive after an 85-68 victory over Bethel (Ind.) in the opening round. The No. 5-seed Firestorm (25-7) advanced with a 91-82 win against Wayland Baptist.

Georgetown holds a mental edge from the teams’ only previous meeting this season, a 76-75 home victory on Nov. 2. The Tigers have won four of their last five games, with their only loss in that stretch a 74-82 defeat to Bethel (Tenn.) on Feb. 28.

The Tigers are powered by forward Isaiah Mason, who is coming off a dominant 17-point, 10-rebound double-double in the first round. Over his last five games, Mason is averaging 17.0 points and 9.4 rebounds, showcasing his consistent interior presence. Guard Darien Lewis, who scored 17 points with five assists against Bethel, provides backcourt balance.

Arizona Christian counters with its own formidable frontcourt player in Jay Lee. The forward recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in the Firestorm’s opening-round win. Over his last five contests, Lee is averaging 7.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, anchoring the team’s defense and glass work. Guard Shaud Bradley, who poured in 19 points against Wayland Baptist, is a key perimeter scoring threat.

The Firestorm have been strong at home but are playing on a neutral floor at Municipal Auditorium. They have won seven of their last eight games, with the lone blemish a 65-68 loss to Benedictine-Mesa on Feb. 27.

The matchup hinges on the battle in the paint between Mason and Lee, and which supporting cast can provide more consistent scoring. Georgetown’s recent momentum from the narrow early-season win adds an intriguing layer to this high-stakes elimination game.

Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, as part of the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship Round of 16. The winner will advance to Saturday’s quarterfinal round.