Lansing, Mich. - The Marian men's bowling team got off to a strong start at the 2026 NAIA National Championship, beginning its title defense with two wins in the NAIA Red Bracket. Marian's second win of the day was an upset over third-seeded Cumberland.

The Knights began the morning with a win, starting strong in the new Mega Match format of the NAIA Championship. Marian began the day bowling against No. 11 Cumberland, and started on a high note as they won the traditional individual game against the Phoenix 1100-918. The victory gave the Knights a 1-0 lead in the mega match, setting the team up in the five baker game series. Marian out-scored Cumberland 1070-1063 in the five baker games, completing the 2-0 win over the Phoenix to advance in the winner's bracket.

Marian's win set them up with a match against No. 3 SCAD-Savannah. Marian repeated the first mega match formula and won the second round matchup against the Bees, winning 2-0 once again to advance into the third round of the tournament unscathed. 

Marian will begin the third round of the championship against NAIA rival Lawrence Tech, competing at 10:30 a.m. in its mega match. Lawrence Tech is the two-seed in the Red Bracket, and won its only matchup of the day against seven-seed Saint Francis (Ill.). If the Knights were to lose to Lawrence Tech, they would bowl again immediately at 1:30 p.m. in the elimination game, while a win would push them to the winner's bracket finale at 4:00 p.m.

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