The Bears men’s basketball team entered the season ranked in the National Christian College Athletic Association top 10, but October, November and December are typically rough months, and this year has been no different. They have played the taxing portion of their schedule that places them against scholarship players virtually every night out. They head into Christmas break with a 1-9 record overall, 0-1 in the Midwest Christian College Conference, and 1-2 in the NCCAA Southwest Region.

“Right now it feels like we are in survival mode,” said seventh year head coach Royce Bryan. “This year we have been more competitive against scholarship schools than we have been in the past, but when the losses pile up, it is mentally draining.”

This year the Bears have a full complement of players on their roster, including four seniors, to be able to withstand a rough first semester. Three of those seniors are starters and the Bears will continue to lean on them as they head into MCCC and Southwest region play beginning January 13th.

“I like our team a ton. I believe there were valuable lessons learned this first semester and our best days are still ahead of us,” said Bryan. “In some regards, it seems as if we will have a fresh start come January and we have a great opportunity to be right in the thick of things come February.”

The Bears will travel to Ankeny, Iowa to play Faith Baptist Bible College on January 13th to open the second semester schedule.