The Tigers returned from Christmas break in Southwest Region play against Ozark Christian and Manhattan Christian, both games were played at Ozark. 

Monday against Ozark Christian, Champion jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead inside the first 1:30, thanks to a D'Andre Butler tough finish in the paint, book ended by three's from Cam Dismuke and Stefan Tellis.

The Ambassadors were able to work their way into the game, and after a Nick Sarin layup pulled the game to 13-12 with 13:24 left in the first half. The Tigers responded with a quick 9-0 run over the next 90 seconds to stretch the lead out to 10. The lead would fluctuate between 10-15 through the rest of the first half, with Champion leading 49-36. 

With both teams playing an uptempo style, the game became sloppy for spurts of the second half. The lead fluctuated from 8-16 throughout the second half. With the Tigers pulling off the road win 101-83, to move to 2-0 in Southwest Region play. 

Stefan Tellis lead all scorers with 26 points on 6-9 shooting from 3, D'Andre Butler added 18 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds. The Ambassadors were lead by Miles Dressler who finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. 

Tuesday's game against Manhattan Christian, was a different game. Champion jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead, which would turn out to be the largest lead of the game. Manhattan was able to frustrate the Tigers switching up defenses and pressing periodically throughout the game, forcing 13 first half turnovers by the Tigers. Despite the turnovers, Champion was able to cling to a 3 point lead, 40-37 at the half. 

The second half was everything, and more you could want in a college basketball game. The Thunder took control of the second half, led by Senior Payton Stephens who led all scorers with 26 points, leading most of the second half. 

Down by 4 with :22 seconds left, after a timeout, Senior Stefan Tellis knocked down a three. Freshman Ariyon Williams came up with a huge steal, and was fouled on his way to the rim. After making both free throws, the Tigers regained the lead for the first time in the last 12:00 of the game. On the ensuing possession the Thunder missed a three with :03 left, D'andre Butler made 2 free throws to stretch the lead, before Kentrell Jacobs tipped the long in bounds pass and Payton Stephens desperation three came up short, and the Tigers escaped with a 80-77 win. 

The Tigers were again led by the duo of D'andre Butler and Stefan Tellis, both finished with 20 points. Butler added 6 rebounds, while going 8-8 from the free throw line.