For Three
ELLENDALE, N.D. -- With the Sabercats' title defense of the North Region Tournament looming, here is a closer look at the field that stands in the way of Maranatha's third consecutive regional title.
The Sabercats will begin their defense with a 12:00 p.m. matchup with #4 Providence University College tomorrow.
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| Team | Nickname | Location | W-L | Power Rating* | 2019 Finish |
| #1 Faith | Eagles | Ankeny, Iowa | 15-11 | 2.212 | DNP |
| #2 Calvary | Warriors | Kansas City, Mo. | 14-14 | 2.070 | Semifinal |
| #3 Central | Saints | Moberly, Mo. | 13-15 | 1.950 | DNP |
| #4 Providence | Pilots | Manitoba, Canada | 8-13 | 1.113 | 1st Round |
| #5 Maranatha | Sabercats | Watertown, Wis. | 8-12 | 0.475 | Champion |
| #6 Trinity | Lions | Ellendale, N.D. | 8-19 | 0.620 | 1st Round |
| #7 Oak Hills | Wolfpack | Bemidji, Minn. | 0-26 | -1.870 | DNP |
*Power ratings current as of February 25
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FIELD
#1 Faith Baptist Bible College (15-11 Overall, 6-4 North Region)
The Eagles have proven to be difficult to beat this year, and they enter the tournament with the momentum of a national top-10 ranking and a recently captured MCCC Tournament title.
The Eagles have a bye into the semifinal and will face the winner of #4 Providence/#5 Maranatha.
#2 Calvary University (14-14 Overall, 6-3 North Region)
The Warriors have stayed primarily in the NCCAA DII this season, so they will be right at home in the competition. They've proven to be difficult to beat in the last two seasons, and they have threatened for the North Region title.
The Warriors will open the tournament against the #7-seeded Wolfpack from Oak Hills.
#3 Central Christian College of the Bible (13-15 Overall, 6-2 North Region)
The Saints are the new kids on the block. And they could prove to be the noisy neighbors - already this season, the Saints have beaten #2 Calvary and #1 Faith. Besides that, they have graced the NCCAA Top 10 Rankings this season, so they could be a dark horse for the tournament.
The Saints will open their first North Region Tournament against the hosting Trinity Bible College Lions.
#4 Providence University College (8-13 Overall, 2-2 North Region)
The Pilots are typically an unknown factor coming into the tournament, and this year is no different. The Pilots have played just three different North Region opponents this season, as they primarily face Canadian teams.
The Pilots will face the Sabercats in the first round tomorrow at 12:00 p.m.
#5 Maranatha Baptist University (8-12 Overall, 5-1 North Region)
As defending champions, the Sabercats enter the tournament with the best North Region record this year. They nearly pulled off an upset of the #1-ranked Great Lakes Christian College Crusaders earlier this season, so they will be looking to reinforce the idea that they belong among the top dogs of the NCCAA.
The Sabercats will face the Providence Pilots in the first round tomorrow at 12:00 p.m.
#6 Trinity Bible College (8-19 Overall, 2-3 North Region)
The Lions have the home-court advantage, and their location makes home games somewhat hard to come by. This season, the Lions have only played nine of their 27 games on their home court. TBC split an away series at Providence but have generally struggled against North Region opponents this season.
#7 Oak Hills Christian College (0-26 Overall, 0-2 North Region)
The Wolfpack have yet to win a game this season, so they are slated to be the easy matchup in the first round. In their two North Region games this season, the Wolfpack have allowed 199 points combined.
The Wolfpack will face the Calvary Warriors in the first round.
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To follow, visit mbusabercats.com/schedule for score updates, schedule updates, and live video.
