2026 opened with a 75-45 win over Greenwood for the Van Buren Pointers in Clair Bates Arena. The win ran their season record to 12-5 and 1-0 in conference.

After a slow start, the Pointers rallied to tie it at 30-30 going into the half.

As the second half opened, Van Buren took control with a 20-0 run and went into the fourth quarter with a 58-40 advantage.

Seniors, Gabe Johnson and Brodie Myers led the Pointers in scoring with 17 and 19 points respectively. Johnson also added 10 rebounds for his eighth double / double of the season and his twelfth double-figure rebounding game.

Van Buren took advantage of stellar bench play as Sophomore Kannen Russell and Junior Abe Cone entered the game and changed the energy level defensively immediately. Russell ended with 11 points on a 5-6 FG to go along with 4 assists. Sophomore Kyree Dumas added 8 points and fellow Sophomore Kingsley Koch pulled down 4 rebounds.

The Pointers will take a 4-game winning streak to Siloam Springs on Friday, January 9.