HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The stage is set for a brand-new chapter at the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, as Jones College and No. 24 Daytona State meet for the first time in program history inside historic Hutchinson Sports Arena in Saturday's tournament-opener.
The game tips at Noon CST on ESPN+.
The Bobcats, 24-9, arrive as the Region 23 champions for the third consecutive season, continuing their recent dominance in Mississippi.
The MACCC has not won a game in Hutch since 2019 and Jones has not won a game at the NJCAA Tournament since 2017, a drought they are determined to end. And this year's roster may be their best opportunity to do it.
Jones is battled-tested having faced four teams in the regular season in this year's tournament field in Gulf Coast State, Chipola College, Bishop State and NW Florida State.
Jones is powered by a balanced, high-scoring attack averaging over 88 points per game. The All-MACCC trio of
Jay Tyler (17.9 ppg),
Dylan Rowe (17.0 ppg), and
Braylon Barnes (16.9 ppg) forms one of the most dynamic guard-scoring groups in the field.
Keron Jackson (12.5 ppg) provides instant offense off the bench and
Bob Dickson anchors the interior with 11.2 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds per game. Both are All-MACCC Honorable Mentions.
Perhaps most impressive is how this group has come together despite limited veteran experience—Jones features just one active sophomore on the roster.
Standing in their way is a Daytona State program that enters with confidence and recent tournament success.
The Falcons, 26-7, earned an at-large bid for a third consecutive season after advancing to the NJCAA Tournament quarterfinals a year ago, proving they can compete—and win—on this stage.
That experience could be critical in a matchup where nerves and execution often decide outcomes.
Daytona State's recent tournament run contrasts with Jones' quest to break through, setting up a compelling clash of momentum versus motivation. The Falcons know what it takes to navigate the pressure of Hutchinson, while the Bobcats are hungry to rewrite their postseason narrative.
Noah Mendy headlines the Falcons with 18.1 points per game, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field while knocking down 60 three-pointers. He's a three-level threat capable of taking over stretches of a game, and his consistency makes him one of the most dangerous players in the tournament.
Running the show is Tyrese Lacey, one of the nation's top playmakers. Averaging 7.1 assists per game, Lacey orchestrates an offense that produces nearly 90 points per contest. His ability to control pace and create for others could be pivotal against Jones' aggressive defensive style.
The Falcons' depth doesn't stop there. Alex Harper (10.3 ppg) provides perimeter shooting, while Adrian Shackleton and Trey Wilson add versatility and rebounding on the wing. Inside, Ryan Bewley (7.0 rpg) and Seydina N'Diaye form a physical frontcourt, with N'Diaye averaging an impressive 2.4 blocks per game—giving Daytona State a rim-protecting presence that could disrupt Jones' attacking guards.
Statistically, Daytona State stands out on the defensive end. The Falcons hold opponents to just 69.6 points per game and under 38 percent shooting from the field—numbers that suggest they can slow even the most explosive offenses.
That sets up the central question of this first-round showdown: can Jones' high-powered, fast-paced attack break through one of the most efficient defenses in the bracket?
Turnovers and tempo will be key. Daytona State forces over 15 turnovers per game while committing just 13, a margin that often swings games in their favor. Jones, meanwhile, thrives when games become chaotic and up-tempo, using depth and scoring balance to overwhelm opponents.
The winner of Saturday's game faces No. 1 overall seed Howard on Monday at noon.
