Life is excited to be back in the NAIA, and there’s no doubt that the basketball program is picking up where it left off.
So far, season highlights include defeating (then) #12 Union University and #25 Crichton College. Life is leading the nation in steals, and is among the top teams in scoring offense and turnover margin per game. In January, the Running Eagles’ point guard LaAbrez “Tay” Barber won the NAIA’s Player of the Week and the Association of Independent Institutions’ Male Athlete of the Week. Barber is definitely a crowd favorite!
Life consistently boasts three nationally ranked players in the top five of individual categories, including Barber, #3 in assists and #4 in steals, Greg Brown, who is leading the nation in steals, and Jonathan Johnson, who is currently #3 in blocks.
With a backbone of enthusiastic fans, dedicated players and experienced coaches, Life has only suffered two defeats on their home court this season. One of the losses was against revered #2 Mountain State University, 106-102.
“Our goal this year was to take the first steps toward rebuilding a basketball program with a winning record, and to claim 20 wins during our first season back will be an exciting accomplishment,” said Barrett, who was the Assistant Head Coach for the Running Eagles from 1991 until 2000 when he became the team's Head Coach.
Life University’s basketball history includes three NAIA national championships from 1997-2000, and competed in a regional or conference tournament every year from 1991-2001. At one point, the men’s basketball team had a winning streak of 99 consecutive home games.
Life's current record is 20 wins-10 losses, an amazing feat for a basketball program that's just getting started again. With his team comprised of mostly sophomores and juniors, Barrett expects to re-establish the winning team Life has always had and to continue the tradition of repeated success.
This week, Life is traveling to Orangeburg, SC. to compete in the NAIA Independent Tournament, to fight for a bid to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, March 18-24.
