NOTE: Our "Countdown To March Madness" continues with a brief analysis of the regional rankings in NCAA Division II men's basketball. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
South
1. Claflin
2. Christian Brothers
3. Benedict
4. Florida Southern
5. Delta State
6. Arkansas-Monticello
7. Rollins
8. Valdosta State
9. North Alabama
10. Arkansas Tech
Analysis: D-II South Nation is tops in the South Region once again, as eight of the top 10 teams ranked come from either the Gulf South Conference (six teams) or the SIAC (two). Valdosta State has come on strong in recent weeks, as the Blazers have won five straight games going into the final day of the regular season (Saturday). VSU might be that one team few opponents want to play come tournament time.
Southeast
1. Augusta State
2. USC Aiken
3. Armstrong Atlantic State
4. Georgia College & State University
5. Barton
6. Lenoir-Rhyne
7. Tusculum
8. Mount Olive
9. Newberry
10. Catawba
Analysis: This week, the top four teams in this week's Southeast Region poll hail from the Peach Belt Conference. But it'll be Augusta State and USC Aiken (both at 16-3 in conference play) heading into the final weekend of the regular season battling for not only the No. 1 seed in next week's PBC tournament, but also the right to potentially host an NCAA regional tournament. Don't be surprised if both ASU and USCA end up playing each other for either crown.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Regional Rankings Analysis--Women
NOTE: D-II South Sports continues its road to the NCAA Division II basketball tournament with its weekly look at the regional rankings. This installment with the women's polls. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
South
1. Delta State
2. Fort Valley State
3. Rollins
4. West Georgia
5. Tampa
6. Arkansas-Monticello
7. Arkansas Tech
8. Clark Atlanta
9. Florida Southern
10. Ouachita Baptist
Analysis: D-II South Nation once again rules the roost, with seven of the 10 teams ranked coming from either the Gulf South Conference or the SIAC. The GSC, however, has five of those teams represented in the poll, with four of those coming from the ultra-competitive West Division. Don't be surprised to see the GSC get at least four teams in the NCAA tournament, if not more.
Southeast
1. Francis Marion
2. Lenoir-Rhyne
3. Tusculum
4. Clayton State
5. Carson-Newman
6. USC Aiken
7. Georgia College & State University
8. Barton
9. Newberry
10. Lander
Analysis: While Francis Marion and Clayton State seem to be locks to get no worse than maybe the No. 4 seed, the other three Peach Belt Conference teams ranked in this week's Southeast Regional poll find themselves on the bubble heading into the final weekend of the regular season. Perhaps those games, as well as next week's PBC tournament, could go a long way towards deciding which teams out of trio, if at all, could end up playing in the NCAA tournament.
South
1. Delta State
2. Fort Valley State
3. Rollins
4. West Georgia
5. Tampa
6. Arkansas-Monticello
7. Arkansas Tech
8. Clark Atlanta
9. Florida Southern
10. Ouachita Baptist
Analysis: D-II South Nation once again rules the roost, with seven of the 10 teams ranked coming from either the Gulf South Conference or the SIAC. The GSC, however, has five of those teams represented in the poll, with four of those coming from the ultra-competitive West Division. Don't be surprised to see the GSC get at least four teams in the NCAA tournament, if not more.
Southeast
1. Francis Marion
2. Lenoir-Rhyne
3. Tusculum
4. Clayton State
5. Carson-Newman
6. USC Aiken
7. Georgia College & State University
8. Barton
9. Newberry
10. Lander
Analysis: While Francis Marion and Clayton State seem to be locks to get no worse than maybe the No. 4 seed, the other three Peach Belt Conference teams ranked in this week's Southeast Regional poll find themselves on the bubble heading into the final weekend of the regular season. Perhaps those games, as well as next week's PBC tournament, could go a long way towards deciding which teams out of trio, if at all, could end up playing in the NCAA tournament.
The Last Week...Part 2
Without further ado, here's Part 2 of the end of the regular season basketball round-up here at D-II South Sports. This installment focuses on the Peach Belt Conference, where a lot of ties may have to be broken come Saturday. The following article mentioned here should explain things much better than this blog can.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Last Week...Part 1
As the title of the post implies...this is the last week of the regular season, in NCAA Division II basketball. Throughout the rest of the week...as often as possible...D-II South Sports looks at some of the scenarios and/or storylines that will shape the final days of regular season action. First up is the Gulf South Conference.
Women: In the GSC West, Delta State (21-6 overall, 11-1 in GSC) has already clinched the title in that division, with a 73-60 win over Arkansas Tech (18-7, 8-4) on the road Saturday. Speaking of the Golden Suns, they'll play host to archrival Arkansas-Monticello (17-6, 9-3) in what basically amounts to a battle for the No. 2 seed in the West come this Thursday.
As for the East, as this blog entry was being written, West Georgia (20-5, 9-1) can lock up first place there with a victory over either Alabama-Huntsville Tuesday night, or a win at North Alabama (14-12, 7-4) in the season finale Saturday. UNA can finish in a tie for second place with Valdosta State (18-7, 8-3) with a win over UWG, plus a Lady Blazer loss to West Florida this weekend.
Then there's the battle for the remaining spots in the Gulf South Conference tournament. Montevallo (8-18, 4-7) hosts West Alabama (10-16, 4-7) in what could be a potential battle for the No. 4 seed in the GSC East. But UWF (8-18, 3-8) entertains VSU in hopes of stealing one of those final two berths. Depending upon what happens in Tuesday's game between UWG and UAH, there could be possibly be a three-way tie for that final spot in that division for next week's GSC tourney.
In the West, Delta State (No. 1 seed), UAM, ATU, and Ouachita Baptist have all clinched GSC postseason bids. That leaves just one spot left to fill between Harding (19-7, 5-7) and Henderson State (10-14, 4-8). The Lady Bisons, though--must win one of their final two games--both on the road, or have the Lady Reddies lose one of their final two games, in order to secure the No. 5 seed from that division. HU plays at Delta State on Thursday, followed by the season finale at OBU Saturday.
Men: Valdosta State (20-5, 8-3) has won four straight games, and has built some all-important momentum going into the Gulf South Conference tournament. But the Blazers have just one more obstacle to clear, clinching the top seed in the GSC East. That can be accomplished with a win at West Florida on Saturday. Still, while the VSU men have gone unbeaten at home in conference play (6-0), they've struggled on the road in league action, as they've gone 2-3 away from the confines of the P.E. Complex. It'll be interesting to see if the Blazers can overcome those traveling jitters this weekend. On a side note, a VSU loss to UWF, plus wins by North Alabama (17-9, 7-4) and Alabama-Huntsville (16-9, 7-4) would create a three-way tie for first place. That would lead to way too many scenarios to break that tie, too many to mention here.
In the West, Christian Brothers (21-4, 10-2) can clinch that division title outright with either two wins, or a Delta State (19-6, 9-3) loss in one of its final two contests. The Statesmen can finish on top by itself with back-to-back wins, plus back-to-back losses by the Buccaneers. Arkansas Tech (18-7, 8-4) can clinch the third seed with a win at home over Arkansas-Monticello (18-7, 7-5).
As far as filling out the remainder of the men's bracket is concerned, West Florida (13-11, 5-6) can all but assure itself of finishing no worse than fifth in the GSC East with a win over VSU this weekend, while West Alabama (12-14, 4-7) can force a three-way tie for the final two spots in the GSC tourney from the East with a win over Montevallo (14-14, 5-6), plus a UWF loss to VSU. Harding (15-10) and Southern Arkansas (11-13) enter the final week of the regular season tied for the fifth and final conference tournament from the West at 5-7 in GSC play. Both teams need a win and help to advance to the GSC tournament.
Women: In the GSC West, Delta State (21-6 overall, 11-1 in GSC) has already clinched the title in that division, with a 73-60 win over Arkansas Tech (18-7, 8-4) on the road Saturday. Speaking of the Golden Suns, they'll play host to archrival Arkansas-Monticello (17-6, 9-3) in what basically amounts to a battle for the No. 2 seed in the West come this Thursday.
As for the East, as this blog entry was being written, West Georgia (20-5, 9-1) can lock up first place there with a victory over either Alabama-Huntsville Tuesday night, or a win at North Alabama (14-12, 7-4) in the season finale Saturday. UNA can finish in a tie for second place with Valdosta State (18-7, 8-3) with a win over UWG, plus a Lady Blazer loss to West Florida this weekend.
Then there's the battle for the remaining spots in the Gulf South Conference tournament. Montevallo (8-18, 4-7) hosts West Alabama (10-16, 4-7) in what could be a potential battle for the No. 4 seed in the GSC East. But UWF (8-18, 3-8) entertains VSU in hopes of stealing one of those final two berths. Depending upon what happens in Tuesday's game between UWG and UAH, there could be possibly be a three-way tie for that final spot in that division for next week's GSC tourney.
In the West, Delta State (No. 1 seed), UAM, ATU, and Ouachita Baptist have all clinched GSC postseason bids. That leaves just one spot left to fill between Harding (19-7, 5-7) and Henderson State (10-14, 4-8). The Lady Bisons, though--must win one of their final two games--both on the road, or have the Lady Reddies lose one of their final two games, in order to secure the No. 5 seed from that division. HU plays at Delta State on Thursday, followed by the season finale at OBU Saturday.
Men: Valdosta State (20-5, 8-3) has won four straight games, and has built some all-important momentum going into the Gulf South Conference tournament. But the Blazers have just one more obstacle to clear, clinching the top seed in the GSC East. That can be accomplished with a win at West Florida on Saturday. Still, while the VSU men have gone unbeaten at home in conference play (6-0), they've struggled on the road in league action, as they've gone 2-3 away from the confines of the P.E. Complex. It'll be interesting to see if the Blazers can overcome those traveling jitters this weekend. On a side note, a VSU loss to UWF, plus wins by North Alabama (17-9, 7-4) and Alabama-Huntsville (16-9, 7-4) would create a three-way tie for first place. That would lead to way too many scenarios to break that tie, too many to mention here.
In the West, Christian Brothers (21-4, 10-2) can clinch that division title outright with either two wins, or a Delta State (19-6, 9-3) loss in one of its final two contests. The Statesmen can finish on top by itself with back-to-back wins, plus back-to-back losses by the Buccaneers. Arkansas Tech (18-7, 8-4) can clinch the third seed with a win at home over Arkansas-Monticello (18-7, 7-5).
As far as filling out the remainder of the men's bracket is concerned, West Florida (13-11, 5-6) can all but assure itself of finishing no worse than fifth in the GSC East with a win over VSU this weekend, while West Alabama (12-14, 4-7) can force a three-way tie for the final two spots in the GSC tourney from the East with a win over Montevallo (14-14, 5-6), plus a UWF loss to VSU. Harding (15-10) and Southern Arkansas (11-13) enter the final week of the regular season tied for the fifth and final conference tournament from the West at 5-7 in GSC play. Both teams need a win and help to advance to the GSC tournament.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Regional Rankings Analysis--Men
EDITOR'S NOTE: Our "Countdown To March Madness" continues with an analysis of the NCAA Division II men's basketball regional rankings. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
South
1. Claflin
2. Florida Southern
3. Benedict
4. Christian Brothers
5. Delta State
6. Arkansas-Monticello
7. Rollins
8. Alabama-Huntsville
9. North Alabama
10. Valdosta State
Analysis: D-II South Nation rules the roost in this week's South Region rankings, as six of the eight teams ranked in the poll either are from the Gulf South Conference or the SIAC. As expected, first-year SIAC newcomer Claflin took over the top spot in this week's rankings after Benedict's upset loss to Miles last week. In the GSC, Delta State (19-5 overall) just might be one of the nation's hottest teams at this moment, as the Statesment won their eighth straight game after demolishing Southern Arkansas, 93-66, on Thursday night. Three teams (UAH, UNA, and VSU) could find themselves not only battling for the GSC East title, but also maybe the eighth and final spot in the NCAA tournament.
Southeast
1. Augusta State
2. USC Aiken
3. Armstrong Atlantic State
4. Georgia College & State University
5. Barton
6. Tusculum
7. Newberry
8. Catawba
9. Mount Olive
10. Lenoir-Rhyne
Analysis: The race for the top four seeds in the Southeast bracket is almost a mirror image of the Peach Belt Conference, as teams from that league currently hold all of them. The Feb. 28 meeting between GC&SU and USCA at Aiken, S.C. could at least shed some light as to not only how the standings in the PBC will turn out, but also which of those four squads could finish as one of the top four seeds for the NCAA tournament, if at all.
South
1. Claflin
2. Florida Southern
3. Benedict
4. Christian Brothers
5. Delta State
6. Arkansas-Monticello
7. Rollins
8. Alabama-Huntsville
9. North Alabama
10. Valdosta State
Analysis: D-II South Nation rules the roost in this week's South Region rankings, as six of the eight teams ranked in the poll either are from the Gulf South Conference or the SIAC. As expected, first-year SIAC newcomer Claflin took over the top spot in this week's rankings after Benedict's upset loss to Miles last week. In the GSC, Delta State (19-5 overall) just might be one of the nation's hottest teams at this moment, as the Statesment won their eighth straight game after demolishing Southern Arkansas, 93-66, on Thursday night. Three teams (UAH, UNA, and VSU) could find themselves not only battling for the GSC East title, but also maybe the eighth and final spot in the NCAA tournament.
Southeast
1. Augusta State
2. USC Aiken
3. Armstrong Atlantic State
4. Georgia College & State University
5. Barton
6. Tusculum
7. Newberry
8. Catawba
9. Mount Olive
10. Lenoir-Rhyne
Analysis: The race for the top four seeds in the Southeast bracket is almost a mirror image of the Peach Belt Conference, as teams from that league currently hold all of them. The Feb. 28 meeting between GC&SU and USCA at Aiken, S.C. could at least shed some light as to not only how the standings in the PBC will turn out, but also which of those four squads could finish as one of the top four seeds for the NCAA tournament, if at all.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Regional Rankings Analysis--Women
EDITOR'S NOTE: Here's another installment of the "Regional Rankings Analysis", leading to the selection of teams in the 2009 NCAA Division II basketball tournament. This edition features the women's teams in the South and Southeast Regions, respectively. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
South
1. Rollins
2. Delta State
3. West Georgia
4. Fort Valley State
5. Florida Southern
6. Tampa
7. Ouachita Baptist
8. Clark Atlanta
9. Arkansas-Monticello
10. Harding
Analysis: Delta State and West Georgia all but seem to be locks to get no worse than a No. 4 seed in this year's South Regional draw. The one thing that's drawing the most interest in this week's rankings is the fact that Clark Atlanta is ranked No. 8 despite having just two losses so far this season. Also, the Gulf South Conference is once again flexing its muscles, particularly in the West Division. That's where four teams (DSU, Ouachita, UAM, and HU) all hold spots in this week's Top 10.
Southeast
1. Francis Marion
2. Lenoir-Rhyne
3. Tusculum
4. Clayton State
5. Carson-Newman
6. GC&SU
7. USC Aiken
8. Mount Olive
9. Barton
10. Newberry
Analysis: Had it not for a loss to USC Aiken earlier this season, the Francis Marion women could very well be undefeated right now. At the point, the No. 1 seed and potential host role in the Southeast bracket is Patriot women's to lose. But FMU just might a strong challenger in Clayton State, whose Lakers have an eight-game winning streak going into this weekend's action. Both teams will play each other on the final day of the regular season, Feb. 28. Before then, though, the Patriot women must play at GC&SU, followed by a home finale against Armstrong Atlantic State next Wednesday.
South
1. Rollins
2. Delta State
3. West Georgia
4. Fort Valley State
5. Florida Southern
6. Tampa
7. Ouachita Baptist
8. Clark Atlanta
9. Arkansas-Monticello
10. Harding
Analysis: Delta State and West Georgia all but seem to be locks to get no worse than a No. 4 seed in this year's South Regional draw. The one thing that's drawing the most interest in this week's rankings is the fact that Clark Atlanta is ranked No. 8 despite having just two losses so far this season. Also, the Gulf South Conference is once again flexing its muscles, particularly in the West Division. That's where four teams (DSU, Ouachita, UAM, and HU) all hold spots in this week's Top 10.
Southeast
1. Francis Marion
2. Lenoir-Rhyne
3. Tusculum
4. Clayton State
5. Carson-Newman
6. GC&SU
7. USC Aiken
8. Mount Olive
9. Barton
10. Newberry
Analysis: Had it not for a loss to USC Aiken earlier this season, the Francis Marion women could very well be undefeated right now. At the point, the No. 1 seed and potential host role in the Southeast bracket is Patriot women's to lose. But FMU just might a strong challenger in Clayton State, whose Lakers have an eight-game winning streak going into this weekend's action. Both teams will play each other on the final day of the regular season, Feb. 28. Before then, though, the Patriot women must play at GC&SU, followed by a home finale against Armstrong Atlantic State next Wednesday.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Regional Rankings Analysis--Men's Basketball
EDITOR'S NOTE: D-II South Sports look at the analysis of the NCAA Division II basketball regional rankings continues with an installment on this week's polls in the men's game. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
South
1. Benedict
2. Claflin
3. Christian Brothers
4. Florida Southern
5. Arkansas-Monticello
6. Delta State
7. Rollins
8. North Alabama
9. Arkansas Tech
10. Harding
Analysis: While the SIAC has the top two teams ranked in this week's poll, the balance of power in the South Region is solidly in the Gulf South Conference, as six teams from that league cracked this week's rankings. Of those squads, five are from the ultra-competitive GSC West Division. That includes NABC No. 8 Christian Brothers, whose Buccaneers are ranked third in the regional poll. But Claflin could be in line take over the top spot in the South after Miles upset Benedict 83-81 in overtime earlier this week.
Southeast
1. Georgia College & State University
2. Augusta State
3. USC Aiken
4. Armstrtong Atlantic State
5. Tusculum
6. Catawba
7. Barton
8. Newberry
9. Mount Olive
10. Mars Hill
Analysis: The Peach Belt Conference may have the top four teams in this week's Southeast Regional rankings. But this is also a league where any team is capable of knocking off the other on any given night. That was proven on Wednesday, when No. 4 (Southeast) Armstrong Atlantic State traveled to Milledgeville, Ga., and pulled off the upset over No.1 (and NABC No. 14) GC&SU, 68-60, while just last weekend, North Georgia knocked off current NABC No. 15 (and Southeast No. 3) USC Aiken, 77-67, at home. The outcomes of those games themselves should make for an interesting race down the stretch for the PBC men's regular season title.
South
1. Benedict
2. Claflin
3. Christian Brothers
4. Florida Southern
5. Arkansas-Monticello
6. Delta State
7. Rollins
8. North Alabama
9. Arkansas Tech
10. Harding
Analysis: While the SIAC has the top two teams ranked in this week's poll, the balance of power in the South Region is solidly in the Gulf South Conference, as six teams from that league cracked this week's rankings. Of those squads, five are from the ultra-competitive GSC West Division. That includes NABC No. 8 Christian Brothers, whose Buccaneers are ranked third in the regional poll. But Claflin could be in line take over the top spot in the South after Miles upset Benedict 83-81 in overtime earlier this week.
Southeast
1. Georgia College & State University
2. Augusta State
3. USC Aiken
4. Armstrtong Atlantic State
5. Tusculum
6. Catawba
7. Barton
8. Newberry
9. Mount Olive
10. Mars Hill
Analysis: The Peach Belt Conference may have the top four teams in this week's Southeast Regional rankings. But this is also a league where any team is capable of knocking off the other on any given night. That was proven on Wednesday, when No. 4 (Southeast) Armstrong Atlantic State traveled to Milledgeville, Ga., and pulled off the upset over No.1 (and NABC No. 14) GC&SU, 68-60, while just last weekend, North Georgia knocked off current NABC No. 15 (and Southeast No. 3) USC Aiken, 77-67, at home. The outcomes of those games themselves should make for an interesting race down the stretch for the PBC men's regular season title.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Regional Rankings Analysis--Women
EDITOR'S NOTE: For the rest of the regular season, until the week of March 4, D-II South Sports will have a brief analysis of the men's and women's basketball rankings, in both the South and Southeast Regions, respectively. The women's rankings will be studied each Thursday, followed by the men on Friday.
Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are listed in BOLD type.
South
1. Rollins
2. Delta State
3. West Georgia
4. Fort Valley State
5. Arkansas-Monticello
6. Florida Southern
7. Tampa
8. Clark Atlanta
9. Arkansas Tech
10. Florida Tech
Analysis: Four Gulf South Conference teams were ranked in this week's South regional poll. They were led by Delta State, whose Lady Statesmen remained No. 2 despite losing last week. Arkansas-Monticello, though, should provide a strong challenge for DSU down the stretch. On the other hand, Fort Valley State and Clark Atlanta are carrying the banner for the SIAC, as the regular season starts to wind down.
Southeast
1. Francis Marion
2. Lenoir-Rhyne
3. Carson-Newman
4. Tusculum
5. Clayton State
6. USC Aiken
7. GC&SU
8. Newberry
9. Mount Olive
10. Barton
Analysis: Francis Marion (20-1 overall, 13-1 in Peach Belt Conference) has been the class of the Southeast region so far this season, as the Patriot women have lost only once this season, to No. 6 USC Aiken. But Clayton State and Georgia College & State Universities have been gaining strength, as both teams have won six and eight straight games, respectively.
Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are listed in BOLD type.
South
1. Rollins
2. Delta State
3. West Georgia
4. Fort Valley State
5. Arkansas-Monticello
6. Florida Southern
7. Tampa
8. Clark Atlanta
9. Arkansas Tech
10. Florida Tech
Analysis: Four Gulf South Conference teams were ranked in this week's South regional poll. They were led by Delta State, whose Lady Statesmen remained No. 2 despite losing last week. Arkansas-Monticello, though, should provide a strong challenge for DSU down the stretch. On the other hand, Fort Valley State and Clark Atlanta are carrying the banner for the SIAC, as the regular season starts to wind down.
Southeast
1. Francis Marion
2. Lenoir-Rhyne
3. Carson-Newman
4. Tusculum
5. Clayton State
6. USC Aiken
7. GC&SU
8. Newberry
9. Mount Olive
10. Barton
Analysis: Francis Marion (20-1 overall, 13-1 in Peach Belt Conference) has been the class of the Southeast region so far this season, as the Patriot women have lost only once this season, to No. 6 USC Aiken. But Clayton State and Georgia College & State Universities have been gaining strength, as both teams have won six and eight straight games, respectively.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Shake-ups in the Gulf South Conference...and more...
Here are we...the first full weekend of February, and things are already getting tense and tight on the basketball court...
That's especially the case in the Gulf South Conference, and the East Division in particular. That's where things tightened up after the action of Thursday night.
We start in Florence, Ala., where North Alabama swept Valdosta State in critical GSC twinbill. The Lions crushed the Blazers 91-68, while the UNA women handed the Lady Blazers their second straight setback in a 74-73 thriller in the opener.
The loss to North Alabama proved especially costly for the VSU women, as West Georgia (16-5, 6-1) moved into sole possession of first place in the GSC East with a 70-61 home victory over West Florida. On the men's side, the Lions (15-7, 5-2) moved into a tie for first place after Alabama-Huntsville (14-7, 5-2) fell on the wrong end of a 79-76 upset loss at home to Montevallo.
The surprises in the GSC weren't limited to the East. The West Division also saw its share of shake-ups Thursday night, as No. 25 (WBCA) Delta State (17-6, 7-1) was knocked off by Ouachita Baptist 64-58. On the other hand, the Arkansas-Monticello Cotton Blossoms (15-4, 7-1) might find themselves in the national rankings after they outlasted Christian Brothers 81-72. It was the sixth straight win for the UAM women.
Finally, No. 10 (NABC) Christian Brothers (18-3, 7-1) established itself as the team to beat in the GSC West men's race, as the Buccaneers won their fourth straight game with a 51-43 win over No. 22 Arkansas-Monticello. But be on the lookout for Delta State (16-5, 6-2) going down the stretch. The Statesmen moved into sole possession of second place in that division with a 77-70 win over Ouachita Baptist.
The big games on Saturday...
NOTE: All times local to home team
WOMEN
Valdosta State (15-6, 5-2) at West Georgia (16-5, 6-1)--5:30 p.m. EST
The Wolves look to win their sixth straight game, while the Lady Blazers hope to avoid their first three-game skid of the season.
Honorable mention: Columbus State (12-10, 5-7) at Lander (12-7, 7-5), UNC Pembroke (10-10, 6-7) at Armstrong Atlantic State (12-8, 7-6), Albany State (8-11, 8-6) at Tuskegee (8-10, 8-5).
MEN
West Florida (11-9, 3-4) at North Alabama--3 p.m. CST
Lions look to keep momentum going against the Argonauts.
Honorable mention: Clayton State (12-8, 5-8) at Augusta State (16-4, 10-3), West Alabama (10-11, 3-4) at Alabama-Huntsville (14-7, 5-2).
That's especially the case in the Gulf South Conference, and the East Division in particular. That's where things tightened up after the action of Thursday night.
We start in Florence, Ala., where North Alabama swept Valdosta State in critical GSC twinbill. The Lions crushed the Blazers 91-68, while the UNA women handed the Lady Blazers their second straight setback in a 74-73 thriller in the opener.
The loss to North Alabama proved especially costly for the VSU women, as West Georgia (16-5, 6-1) moved into sole possession of first place in the GSC East with a 70-61 home victory over West Florida. On the men's side, the Lions (15-7, 5-2) moved into a tie for first place after Alabama-Huntsville (14-7, 5-2) fell on the wrong end of a 79-76 upset loss at home to Montevallo.
The surprises in the GSC weren't limited to the East. The West Division also saw its share of shake-ups Thursday night, as No. 25 (WBCA) Delta State (17-6, 7-1) was knocked off by Ouachita Baptist 64-58. On the other hand, the Arkansas-Monticello Cotton Blossoms (15-4, 7-1) might find themselves in the national rankings after they outlasted Christian Brothers 81-72. It was the sixth straight win for the UAM women.
Finally, No. 10 (NABC) Christian Brothers (18-3, 7-1) established itself as the team to beat in the GSC West men's race, as the Buccaneers won their fourth straight game with a 51-43 win over No. 22 Arkansas-Monticello. But be on the lookout for Delta State (16-5, 6-2) going down the stretch. The Statesmen moved into sole possession of second place in that division with a 77-70 win over Ouachita Baptist.
The big games on Saturday...
NOTE: All times local to home team
WOMEN
Valdosta State (15-6, 5-2) at West Georgia (16-5, 6-1)--5:30 p.m. EST
The Wolves look to win their sixth straight game, while the Lady Blazers hope to avoid their first three-game skid of the season.
Honorable mention: Columbus State (12-10, 5-7) at Lander (12-7, 7-5), UNC Pembroke (10-10, 6-7) at Armstrong Atlantic State (12-8, 7-6), Albany State (8-11, 8-6) at Tuskegee (8-10, 8-5).
MEN
West Florida (11-9, 3-4) at North Alabama--3 p.m. CST
Lions look to keep momentum going against the Argonauts.
Honorable mention: Clayton State (12-8, 5-8) at Augusta State (16-4, 10-3), West Alabama (10-11, 3-4) at Alabama-Huntsville (14-7, 5-2).
Monday, February 02, 2009
Baseball and Softball seasons have arrived
Lost in all the hoopla and hype of Sunday's Super Bowl was the arrival of the 2009 baseball and softball seasons, respectively, in D-II South Nation. Click the following link (s) below to find out how and where your favorite team (s) will finish this year.
Gulf South Conference Baseball
Gulf South Conference Softball
Peach Belt Conference Baseball
Peach Belt Conference Softball
Gulf South Conference Baseball
Gulf South Conference Softball
Peach Belt Conference Baseball
Peach Belt Conference Softball
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