Kuyper College Men's Basketball earned a comeback win in their first action of 2026, as they defeated the Welch Flames by a score of 88-82. 

The Cougars led the Flames 46-39 at the halftime break, behind a high-powered offensive first half. Kuyper shot a scorching 50% from the field in the first half, with 6 made threes to earn the 7 point lead. However, Welch responded with a huge run to begin the second half and take the lead. Welch led most of the second half, but Kuyper was able to hit some big shots and make some big plays down the stretch to earn the comeback win.

Kuyper got a massive performance from freshman Arlind Avdo, who finished the night with a career-high 23 points. Avdo shot an efficient 9/13 from the field, to go along with 4/8 from three. Avdo hit back-to-back threes in the second half to spark Kuyper's comeback. Nic Yorke had a big game for the Cougars as well, as he finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Nick Moore and Austin Stone each had quality games for Kuyper as well. Moore finished with 16 points and 5 assists, while Stone logged a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

Welch presented challenges to Kuyper's defense, as Welch shot 50.8% from the field and 39.1% from three. The difference in the game came on the boards, where Kuyper earned extra possessions by winning the rebounding battle. Kuyper finished with 45 rebounds and 16 offensive rebounds, compared to Welch's 33 rebounds and 4 offensive rebounds. 

Kuyper improved their record to 6-9 with the win and 4-3 in the NCCAA II.