Monday, November 10, 2008

2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--Peach Belt Conference Men

After a hiatus of a little over a week, the preseason thoughts on NCAA Division II basketball in the Southeast continue on D-II South Sports. This installment features what's likely to be a tight regular season men's race in the Peach Belt Conference.

1. USC Aiken

2. Augusta State

3. GC&SU

4. Clayton State

5. Armstrong Atlantic State

6. Francis Marion

7. Georgia Southwestern State

8. Columbus State

9. North Georgia

10. Lander

11. UNC Pembroke

Analysis: With four of five starters returning from last season NCAA Tournament, USC Aiken is the team to beat going into this season. But don't count out defending national runner-up Augusta State, as the Jaguars bring back field goal percentage leader Garrett Siler, as well as all-conference Ben Madgen. From there, it's anybody's guess as to who will finish third or lower in the PBC. That includes defending conference tourney champion Clayton State, whose Lakers overcame a sluggish regular season to earn the Peach Belt's autobid to the NCAA D-II dance, losing to ASU in the South Atlantic regional semifinals.

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