Playing at Warner University's Holiday Inn Invitational Tournament in Lake Wales, Florida, the Raiders were able to walk away with the runner-up trophy. Walking away seems to be a very positive sign as both captains,
Alif Bland and
Dan Foley, were able to play for the first time since December 3
rd. Bland, coming off a high ankle sprain scored 27 points and had 12 rebounds in the two games while Foley, initially diagnosed with a broken fibula on December 3
rd, responded with 33 points and 11 rebounds in the tournament.
In the first tournament game on December 29
th against host Warner University, the Raiders had four players score in double digits to hold off the Royals for a 68-64 hard fought victory. Bland led Roberts with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Foley had 15 points, 3 boards, and 3 steals.
Jordan Heath had 13 points and 4 rebounds and
Rashaad Stokelin had 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Royals, who had received Honorable Mention status in previous NAIA D2 polls and are presently 11th in the country in 3 point FG%, were led by 6'10 Malcolm Campbell's 20 points.
In the Championship game of the tourney the Raiders fell to #19 Davenport University from Michigan 68-65. The game was tied 30-30 at the half and stayed close the entire way before Davenport ultimately secured the victory.
Dan Foley led the way for the Raiders scoring 18 points and pulling down 9 rebounds.
Alif Bland scored 11 points and had 6 rebounds.
Brent Owens and
Jake Russell each contributed 8 points off the bench.
The Davenport Panthers were led by James Nelson who scored 17 points. Three other Davenport players scored in double figures. Roberts out-shot and out-rebounded the panthers but nine more turnovers and costly misses from the free throw line hindered the Raiders down the stretch.
The consolation game went to Warner University as they defeated #17 Grace College from Indiana 79-72.
The Raiders are 7-7 and head into the second semester with nothing but conference games the rest of the way. Roberts has played a very formidable schedule to help them prepare for the tough American Mideast Conference. They play the #1 team in the country on Tuesday night as they will face the undefeated Walsh Cavaliers in Canton, Ohio who are 13-0.
