COUNTDOWN TO MARCH MADNESS--WEEK ENDING 02/05/2005

NOTE: Throughout the remainder of the basketball season, up until the conference tournaments, D-II South Sports will provide a brief analysis of the regional rankings. The women's rankings will be analyzed on Thursday, followed by the men's on Friday. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are listed in BOLD typel


SOUTH REGION

1. West Georgia--Braves have established themselves as one of the Gulf South Conference's best teams.

2. Arkansas-Monticello--Boll Weevils are the surprise team in the GSC West.

3. Florida Gulf Coast--Eagles solid in first full season of NCAA Division II eligibility.

4. Valdosta State--Blazers hope to make solid stretch run in spite of injury to key player Mike Crain.

5. Eckerd--Defending Sunshine State Conference tourney champs hope to surprise experts again come March.

6. Barry--Buccaneers have been a pleasant surprise in the SSC so far.

7. Lynn--Knights have re-emerged as a force in a balanced SSC.

8. Montevallo--Defending GSC champions still must host West Georgia and Valdosta State.

9. Morehouse--Maroon Tigers are the class of an otherwise mediocre SIAC.

10. Ouachita Baptist--Tigers look to stay on prowl in rugged GSC West.


SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

1. USC Upstate--Spartans still solid favorite in Peach Belt Conference despite upset loss to Augusta State.

2. Bowie State--Bulldogs look to gain another appearance in the NCAA tournament.

3. Virginia Union--Panthers have been one of the nation's best all season.

4. Kennesaw State--Defending national champions hope to make a run at another run, but must deal with the rest of the regular season first.

5. Columbus State--Cougars putting forth another decent effort in tough PBC.

6. Winston-Salem State--Rams have their work cut out for them if they hope win CIAA title.

7. North Carolina Central--Eagles must be more consistent if they hope to make the NCAA's in March.

8. Johnson C. Smith--Golden Bulls are yet another CIAA team on the bubble for postseason play.

9. Catawba--Indians are currently showing the way in the South Atlantic Conference.

10. Presbyterian--Don't count the Blue Hose out in the SAC title race.