In an early-season battle of top 15-ranked NAIA Div. I programs, the No. 13-ranked Benedictine (Kan.) College men’s basketball team handed No. 1 Columbia (Mo.) College its first loss of the season en route to their 10th straight win of the season, 73-59.

“Defensively, this is probably the best effort all season,” said Benedictine head coach Ryan Moody. “This can’t be a shining moment of the season. It was a great win but it has to be a springboard. This is just one more step.”

The win pushes Benedictine’s overall record to 10-1 as the Ravens have now rattled off 10 straight wins after dropping their season opener back on Nov. 1. The loss by Columbia moves the Cougars overall record to 9-1 and snaps a 14-game win streak by Columbia over Heart of America Athletic Conference opponents.

Columbia entered the game on Wednesday as the top shooting team in NAIA Div. I, knocking in an average of 55.6 percent from the floor this season. After hitting 50 percent in the first half, Benedictine limited Columbia to just 9 second half field goals as the Cougars finished at 39.6 percent.

Columbia also entered the game with a No. 9 ranking from beyond the arc. Through nine games the Cougars had converted on 43.6 percent of their 3-pointers. Wednesday, the Ravens limited them to a 6 for 20 effort as they finished the game at 30 percent.

Benedictine’s Charlie Wallrapp led all scorers with 21 points while pulling down 11 rebounds. Jallen Messersmith anchored the Ravens off the bench with 15 points while John Harris Jr. added 14.

“It was an amazing opportunity to make a statement nationally,” Wallrapp said. “This certainly boosts our confidence level. They were a talented group.”

Columbia was led in scoring by Devin Griffin’s 18 points off the Cougar bench.

— BC Sports Information —