ANKENY, Iowa -- The NCCAA postseason is here, and the Sabercats already have momentum as the number one seed for the NCCAA North Region Women's Basketball Tournament.

Maranatha opens play in tomorrow's 5:00 p.m. semifinal against the winner of #4 Emmaus and #5 Faith.

Here's a brief overview of the field, with the seedings determined based on the NCCAA Power Rating System:

-

SCOUTING REPORT

#1 Maranatha Baptist University Sabercats (8-8, 6-1 NCCAA, 6-1 North Region)

The Sabercats are the favorites for the tournament after holding a 6-1 record against regional opponents this season. After suffering four straight losses to start the season, the Sabercats are 8-4, as they have slowly added key players to their roster throughout the season. Maranatha's defense of the 61.8 points per game allowed is also the fourth-best in the entire NCCAA DII, behind regional opponents Trinity Bible.

Since 2010, Maranatha has won the NCCAA regional title nine times.

#2 Calvary University Warriors (10-10, 9-10 NCCAA, 5-4 North Region)

The Warriors have had mixed results against North Region opponents this season but have stayed above .500 in the region. The Warriors have the highest points-per-game total of anyone in the North Region (73.5), but they rank 26th in the NCCAA DII for points allowed with 72 per game.

Maranatha holds a 1-0 record against Calvary. The only matchup was a 58-47 win in last year's regional tournament.

#3 Trinity Bible College Lions (11-8, 4-4 NCCAA, 4-1 North Region)

Don't overlook the Lions. Their defense is the best in the entire NCCAA DII, allowing just 53.7 points per game on average. Trinity just had an eight-game winning streak snapped at the hands of Kansas Christian College.

The Sabercats hold a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series with Trinity Bible.

#4 Emmaus Bible College Eagles (10-8, 9-5 NCCAA, 7-2 NCCAA North Region)

The Eagles beat Maranatha in November, then gave the Sabercats a scare in Watertown, forcing Emily Johnson to hit a jumper to win the game in the dying seconds. Emmaus would be the "dark horse" pick in this year's women's tournament, and they may have been surprised by the #4 seed. But their 7-2 North Region record speaks for itself. 

Maranatha holds a 24-9 advantage in the all-time series against Emmaus.

#5 Faith Baptist Bible College Eagles (7-14, 6-14 NCCAA, 4-7  North Region)

Faith's schedule consisted almost entirely of NCCAA DII opponents this season. Their only non-NCCAA game was a 72-45 win over Free Lutheran Bible at the end of January. Faith has the advantage of their home floor, their home fans, and no travel during the weekend.

Maranatha holds an 11-0 record against Faith. Maranatha has already beaten the Eagles twice this season.

#6 Central Christian College of the Bible Saints (6-18, 6-12 NCCAA, 4-5 North Region)

The Saints are the second newest team in the region. The Saints enter the tournament on a nine-game losing streak, but they've posted regional wins over Oak Hills, Faith, and Calvary this season.

Maranatha has never played Central Christian in women's basketball.

#7 Oak Hills Christian College Wolfpack (6-12, 0-10 NCCAA, 0-9 North Region)

The Wolfpack is a brand new program for the 2020-21 season. Their defense ranks 10th in the NCCAA DII (66.4 points per game), but the Wolfpack has been winless against NCCAA DII competition.

Maranatha beat Oak Hills twice this season in a home series in January, and so Maranatha holds a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series.

LINKS

SCHEDULE :: LIVE VIDEO :: LIVE STATS :: TICKETS :: SPECTATOR POLICY/COVID-19 :: DIRECTIONS

-

To follow the games live, follow @MBUSabercats on Twitter and visit mbusabercats.com/schedule for live coverage links.