GAMEDAY PREVIEW: Chipola set to make 20th appearance at Hutch
#13 Indians take on #20 Monroe at 5:30 PM in the NJCAA Tournament
HUTCHINSON, Kansas - #13 seed Chipola makes their 20th appearance at the NJCAA Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansason Saturday afternoon when they take on #20 seed Monroe University. Tip between the Indians and the Mustangs is set for 5:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Saturday's winner will take on #4-seed South Plains College on Monday, March 24, at 5:30 PM CDT.
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After falling in the first round of the FCSAA/Region VIII Tournament, the Indians left the fate of their season in the hands of the Men's Basketball Selection Committee. The Indians were rewarded for being one of the top teams in the country all season long and received the #13 seed at the NJCAA Tournament.
Chipola is making its fifth consecutive trip to Hutch, a school record, and 20th overall appearance, good enough for 6th in NJCAA D1 Basketball and first among teams in the FCSAA. The down side is that Chipola has the most appearances in the national tournament without bringing home the championship trophy.
The Indians have played in the championship game twice in school history. Legendary Chipola coach Milton H. Johnson's 1974 team and Greg Heiar's 2007 team both finished as runner-up.
Monroe University won the East District Championship over Harcum College, 77-70, to advance to their first NJCAA National Tournament since 2023.
The Mustangs average 82.9 points per game while holding their opponents to 68.7. They are led by freshman guard, Eric Mejia. The Bronx, New York native averages 14.1 a night. He makes 37.8% of his shots from the floor, including 43.8% from behind the arc.
Chipola and Monroe last met on December 4, 2022, at the Bill Hebrock Eagledome in Tallahassee. #4 Chipola overcame a four-point halftime deficit to defeat #8 Monroe, 72-62.