Kansas City, MO – The Patriots men's basketball team continues to climb the national ladder, earning the No. 9 spot in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll released Wednesday afternoon. Cumberlands jumped three spots from the last rankings after extending its undefeated start to 9-0 behind one of the most balanced and efficient two-way attacks in the country.
 
UC has gotten off to a strong start, averaging 91.4 points per game (12th nationally) while holding opponents to just 73.1 PPG. The Patriots are shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 37.1 percent from three, pairing that with elite rebounding numbers, 40.8 rebounds per game and a +10.3 rebound margin, both ranking among the nation's best. Their offense moves the ball efficiently, dishing out 16.1 assists per game while averaging only 10.9 turnovers. Defensively, UC forces 12.1 turnovers and records 4.1 blocks per contest, holding opponents to 41.9 percent shooting and just 27.8 percent from deep.
 
Leading the charge for the Patriots is senior guard Kyle Duke, who ranks among the top scorers in the NAIA at 22.3 points per game, shooting 55 percent from the field, 53 percent from three, and 87 percent from the foul line. Andrew McConnell continues to steer the offense, averaging 12.1 points and a team-high 32 assists through nine games, while Javecckio Thomas provides versatility with 11.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game on an efficient 65.7 percent shooting clip. Brant Smithers (11.0 PPG, 24 made threes) and Brady Bell (9.8 PPG) have also been consistent scoring threats on the perimeter.
 
UC's depth has played a major role in its success as well. Ikemba Otuonye and Abraham Ibezimakor combine to average more than 13 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Anthony Harris (5.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG) and Malachi Robinson (4.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, team-high 14 blocks) anchor the defensive end.
 
The Patriots rank among the top teams nationally in offensive efficiency (1.172) and net efficiency (+0.230), producing nearly 11 made threes and 15 free throws per game. Their well-rounded play has made them one of the most complete teams in the NAIA through the opening month of the season.
 
Cumberlands (9-0) will return to action on Monday, December 1, as they travel to Indiana University Southeast for a 6 PM matchup. They look to remain perfect after taking down the Grenadiers earlier this month.
 
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