Regional Rankings Analysis--Men

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.