KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Central Methodist University men's basketball team is opening the new year with a return to the national rankings list, announced by the NAIA National Office on Wednesday afternoon.

The Eagles (9-4/4-3 Heart) fell out of consideration in December's poll, but have now returned to the "others receiving votes" category after a dominating win over Grand View and a heartbreaking overtime loss to West Virginia Tech.

Other conference opponents in the Top 25 include: William Penn (No. 2), Benedictine (No. 12), and Peru State (No. 20).

Men's basketball will return to action this evening to host Clarke University to open 2019 play. Game time is set for 7:30 pm.