Indianapolis, Ind. – The Tarleton men's basketball program was honored with a plaque from the NCAA for its performance on the defensive end of the court this past season, which earned the Texans the title of No. 1 defense in the nation. 

Tarleton not only led Division II with allowing only 53.3 points per game, but that mark was the best for all of Division I, Division III, NAIA and Junior College teams.

On top of the fewest points allowed to opponents, the Texans also had the fourth best defensive field goal percentage in Division II with just 38.5% from the field allowed.

Associate head coach Chris Reisman expressed his pride in the award and his players.

“We are very pleased to be honored by the NCAA as National Champions for Team Defense (Points Per Game Allowed)” said Reisman. “Anyone that knows Tarleton State basketball knows that defense has always been the backbone of our program. This past year's group took it to a whole other level. Some of the achievements that they accomplished are even more impressive now after the season has been over and we've had time to reflect. Holding 19 opponents to under 60 points this season is just a fantastic accomplishment. However, holding 13 opponents to under 50 points in collegiate basketball is astonishing and just an attribute to the type of team we had this past season. They really bought into our concepts on team defense and got better as the season progressed.” 

Director of NCAA Statistics Jim Wright had this to say about the award.

“Only a handful of institutions can say they were the best in their field and it is an honor for which you can be proud,” said Wright.

The Texans made trips to the Lone Star Conference tournament championship and the NCAA tournament en route to a 24-6 season and a LSC South Division title.

For more information on the Tarleton men's basketball program, check back at TarletonSports.com.