COUNTDOWN TO MARCH MADNESS--WOMEN--WEEK ENDING 02/19/2005

NOTE: This is the third installment of "Countdown To March Madness", D-II South Sports' weekly look at the regional rankings in NCAA Division II basketball. Women's teams are featured on Thursday, followed by the men on Friday. All teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports (Gulf South Conference, Peach Belt Conference, SIAC) are listed in BOLD type.

SOUTH REGION:

1. Central Arkansas--The Sugar Bears have won nine straight games coming into Thursday's game versus Delta State.

2. Henderson State--Lady Reddies fall from top spot after upset losing to UCA.

3. Tuskegee--Six game win streak puts Tigerettes at the top of the SIAC.

4. Valdosta State--Back-to-back road losses cause drop in rankings for Lady Blazers.

5. Paine--Lions currently share first place in SIAC with Tuskegee.

6. West Florida--Loss at West Georgia drops Argonauts to 8-3 in Gulf South Conference play.

7. West Georgia--Four game win streak lands Braves in regional rankings.

8. Tampa--Loss to Florida Southern Wednesday could hurt Spartans postseason hopes.

9. Nova Southeastern--Sunshine State Conference newcomer currently tied for first place with Florida Southern.

10. Fort Valley State--Wildcats make debut in regional rankings this week.

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

1. Shaw--Lady Bears are a perfect 19-0 against regional foes entering the weekend.

2. Clayton State--Narrow win over North Florida, combined with Columbus State's upset loss to Kennesaw State, puts the Lakers in the driver's seat in the Peach Belt Conference.

3. Carson-Newman--Eagles currently sit in second place in the South Atlantic Conference (8-2).

4. Columbus State--Loss to KSU could prove costly for Lady Cougars.

5. Wingate--Bulldogs lead SAC at 10-1 in league action.

6. Johnson C. Smith--Golden Bulls are 9-4 in CIAA play, but just 4-4 against Western Division foes.

7. Armstrong Atlantic State--Loss at Georgia College & State University drops Lady Pirates overall record to 17-10.

8. USC Aiken--Upset loss to USC Upstate drops Lady Pacers into first place with UNC Pembroke in the PBC North (7-6).

9. GC&SU--Lady Bobcats keep postseason hopes going with Wednesday win over AASU.

10. Fayetteville State--Broncos currently lead the CIAA Western Division at 6-1 (12-8 overall).