CARMEL, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) men’s basketball teams competed in week one of the 2025-26 season.
 
Around the League:
HCAC Men’s Basketball Schedule
 
Athlete of the Week:
Justin Harrington (Indianapolis, Ind.) Franklin College | Guard | Sophomore - Harrington was a revelation off the bench for the Grizzlies on opening weekend. He erupted for a career-high 26 points in 28 minutes, adding three steals and leading the Grizzlies on a game-closing 18-2 run to defeat Olivet 85-74. The following night, Harrington contributed 16 points, a blocked shot and a steal in 20 minutes as Franklin used another late surge (18-3) to beat Hope 73-58. Harrington was 14 of 17 from the foul line overall in helping to ice both contests.
 
Notable Performances:

• Collin Buck (Hope, Ind.) Mount St. Joseph University | Forward | First Year - Lions first year Collin Buck came off the bench in the season opener, in 28 minutes he scored a team-high 19 points, hauled in 4 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, adding a block and a steal. He was extremely efficient in his debut going 6-for-7 (85.7%) from the field 3-for-4 (75%) from three and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. 

Looking Forward:
HCAC Men’s Basketball Standings