The Indiana Wesleyan University men’s basketball team captured the 2018 NAIA Division II National Championship on Tuesday, March 13 with an 84-71 victory over University of Saint Francis (Ind.). The red banner championship is the third in the past five years for the Wildcats, which is tied for the most in NAIA Division II history. IWU also took home the title in 2014 and 2016.
“It is not something I really thought would happen,” said Head Coach Greg Tonagel when asked about winning three titles in five years. “It is hard to put it into words right now.”
Freshman Kyle Mangas, of Warsaw, Indiana, scored 23 points in last night’s game and was named Tournament Most Valuable Player. Mangas was also named to the All-Tournament Team, along with junior Evan Maxwell, of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. Senior Ben Carlson, of Palatine, Illinois, was recognized with the Hustle Award.
Tonagel was honored with his third NABC/NAIA DII National Coach of the Year. Tonagel began his IWU career in 2005 and is known for instilling an “I Am Third” culture into his team, which focuses on putting God first, others second and self third.
“If you want to be first, first find a way to be third,” said Tonagel. “We are trying to create ‘I Am Third’ leaders. Men who will eventually leave our programs and be ‘I Am Third’ in their homes, communities, churches and workplaces.”
The NAIA Division II National Championship series was held in Sioux City, South Dakota, from March 7-13. A celebration is planned on campus to welcome the Wildcats home to Marion at 5 p.m. in Luckey Arena.