The 2023 NAIA Men’s Basketball Championship was pure madness – and we loved every second! With slam dunks, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories, this year’s tournament was one to remember. Let’s break it all down, piece by piece, to see who rose to the top and how it all went down.
The Format
The 2023 championship featured 64 teams going toe-to-toe in a single-elimination format.
- Four separate 16-team brackets
- Winners of each bracket met at the final site in Kansas City, Missouri
- All roads led to the historic Municipal Auditorium
Each game was intense because one bad night meant heading home early. That’s what makes NAIA hoops so exciting!
The Final Four Teams
After rounds of fierce competition, four teams punched their tickets to Kansas City:
- College of Idaho – a well-coached, powerhouse program
- Oklahoma Wesleyan – known for their three-point shooting
- Indiana Wesleyan – tournament veterans with solid defense
- Xavier (La.) – the dark horse who lit up the bracket
The Championship Game
It all came down to College of Idaho versus Oklahoma Wesleyan. These teams brought heart, hustle, and hoops.
In a thrilling matchup, College of Idaho claimed victory with a score of 73-71. Talk about a nail-biter!
The game had it all:
- Fast breaks
- Late-game heroics
- A final shot that just missed for Oklahoma Wesleyan
This win marked College of Idaho’s second NAIA title in school history. The first was way back in 1996!
Stars of the Tournament
Some players stood out and turned heads all tournament long.
- Jake O’Neil (College of Idaho) – Named Most Outstanding Player, he led his team with heart and hustle.
- Ryan Murry (Oklahoma Wesleyan) – A lights-out shooter who kept defenders guessing.
- Niko McClain (Xavier) – Showed major leadership and poise under pressure.
- Trevor Harmsen (Indiana Wesleyan) – A defensive stopper and glass cleaner.
It’s safe to say many of these stars won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Top Highlights of the Tournament
Here’s what fans were buzzing about:
- Overtime Madness – Multiple games went into OT, including a wild Sweet 16 clash between Wayland Baptist and Tougaloo.
- Upsets Galore – Three No. 1 seeds went down before reaching Kansas City. Brackets were busted early!
- Fan Energy – Packed stands and student sections brought serious energy to every game.
- The Final Play – Oklahoma Wesleyan’s last second shot bounced off the rim as time expired. What a finish!
What’s Next?
The NAIA season may be over, but fans are already looking ahead to 2024. Can College of Idaho repeat? Will a new champ rise?
Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure – NAIA basketball never disappoints.
Fun Facts from 2023
- College of Idaho finished the season with a whopping 36-1 record.
- This was the 85th edition of the tournament.
- Games were streamed live, making it easier for fans across the country to tune in.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 NAIA Men’s Basketball Championship gave fans everything they could ask for – drama, talent, and unforgettable moments.
Whether you root for the underdog or the top seed, one thing is true – college hoops brings people together. And in 2023, the NAIA delivered big time!