D-II South Sports

So long, D2SS!!!

2011-07-01T16:57:00.000-04:00

After seven years of covering NCAA Division II sports in the Southeast, this is the 700th (and sadly) final post of D-II South Sports. To anyone who is reading this post, we say, thank you for your support during those seven seasons of coverage.

Still, the dismantling of D2SS doesn't mean we're discontinuing our coverage of small college sports in the South, not by a long shot. Look for at least two new blogs covering sports of all sorts, whether it be minor league, small college, and/or even high school sports going online very soon.

For now, however, it's not goodbye, but "see you down the road."

Armstrong Atlantic State names new athletic director

2011-06-08T19:05:00.000-04:00

Armstrong Atlantic State University has named Lisa Sweany as its new athletics director. She comes to Savannah from Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Her first day on the job at AASU is on July 18.

Click here to read the full story, courtesy of aasupirates.com.

Baseball: West Florida wins D-II National Championship!!!

2011-06-04T23:06:00.000-04:00

Congrulations to the University of West Florida Argonauts! They won their first-ever NCAA Division II baseball national championship with a 12-2 rout over Winona State (Minn.) in the title game at Cary, N.C. Saturday. The Argos finished the 2011 season with an overall record of 52-9.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of goargos.com.

Softball: UAH falls short in title game

2011-06-01T00:48:00.000-04:00

For the third straight year, the Gulf South Conference has fallen short of taking home a national championship. In 2011, it was Alabama-Huntsville that came up empty, as the Chargers lost to UC San Diego, 10-3, in the title game on Monday. UAH also lost the 2009 title game to Lock Haven (Pa.), while Valdosta State fell short against Hawaii Pacific in 2010.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of uahchargers.com.

NCAA Baseball Tournament Field Announced

2011-05-17T20:41:00.000-04:00

The selections for the 2011 NCAA Division II baseball tournament are out, and eight teams from D-II South Nation made the field.

In the Southeast Region, three teams from the Peach Belt Conference made the field, while in the South Region, the Gulf South Conference invited four teams, with West Florida serving as the host squad, while Stillman was the lone SIAC team to earn an NCAA bid, as the Tigers advanced as an automatic qualifier via winning the conference tournament.

In all, 48 teams nationwide earned berths to the NCAA tournament, with six teams selected from the Southeast Region, while eight teams advanced to the South Regional tourney.

Click on one of the following links to see the schedule for the NCAA regionals, which get underway Thursday for the Southeast Regional at Mount Olive, N.C., and Pensacola, Fla. for the South Regional.

Southeast Region

South Region

NCAA Softball Tournament Underway

2011-05-13T16:53:00.000-04:00

The NCAA Division II softball tournament got underway at select campus sites throughout the nation Friday. D-II South Nation was well represented, with five teams from the Peach Belt Conference advancing to the Southeast Regional, while three squads from the Gulf South Conference, as well as one from the SIAC, advanced to the South Regional.

Here are the pairings for both the Southeast and South Regionals, as follows:

Southeast Regional 1 (at Dahlonega, Ga.)

Southeast Regional 2 (at Hickory, N.C.)

South Regional 1 (at Huntsville, Ala.)

South Regional 2 (at Winter Park, Fla.)

Shorter applies for D-II status

2011-05-12T16:03:00.000-04:00

It's official. Shorter University in Rome, Georgia has applied to join the NCAA Division II ranks. The current NAIA school plans to seek membership in the Gulf South Conference. School officials have until June 1 to complete their application to the NCAA.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Rome (Ga.) News-Tribune, and Shorter University

Baseball Tournament Update

2011-05-11T16:38:00.000-04:00

Southern Arkansas wins Gulf South crown (gscsports.org)

Augusta State staves off elimination (peachbelt.com)

UNC Pembroke advances to Peach Belt title game (peachbelt.com)

Baseball Postseason Update

2011-05-07T18:38:00.001-04:00

May is here, and so is conference tournament time in both the Gulf South and Peach Belt Conferences, respectively. The GSC tournament got underway at Millington, Tenn. Friday, while the PBC tourney gets started at Columbus, Ga. Sunday. Click on the following link (s) below for complete coverage.

Gulf South Conference Tournament Website

Peach Belt Conference Tournament Bracket

Peach Belt Conference Tournament Website

Bonus Coverage

Stillman wins SIAC title (courtesy of the thesiac.com)

Union University (Tenn.) files D-II papers, GSC extends invite to UNO

2011-04-30T15:23:00.000-04:00

The effort to rebuild the Gulf South Conference appears to be gaining momentum. The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun reports that Union University has filed an application to join the NCAA Division II ranks. Meanwhile, the GSC on Thursday officially extended an invitation to the University of New Orleans athletics department, with the Louisiana-based institution making plans to add football and women's soccer by 2015.

Click here to read the article on Union University, courtesy of the Jackson (Tenn.) Sun

Click here to read the press release on UNO, courtesy of the Gulf South Conference

Softball/Baseball Update--Part 2

2011-04-13T22:50:00.000-04:00

It's baseball's turn in this second installment of our spring sports update, exclusively at D2SS. So what are we waiting for? Let's get started!

Note: All records listed are as of April 13, 2011

Gulf South Conference: One of the hottest teams in the nation is also currently ranked No. 1 in the nation by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, in West Florida (35-4, 10-1 GSC). The Argonauts, who are also tops in the NCBWA poll, currently lead the East Division, and riding a 21-game winning streak. In the West Division, Arkansas Tech (24-13, 10-2) sits in first place, while No. 16 (CBN) Harding (32-7, 9-3) stands one game behind the Wonder Boys in second place.

Peach Belt Conference: It's a tale of two divisions in the "Belt", as No. 12 (CBN)/No. 24 (NCBWA) Francis Marion (30-10, 13-5), No. 20/No. 25 Armstrong Atlantic State (27-10, 10-5), and No. 7/No. 16 UNC Pembroke (32-7, 13-7) are all locked in a three-way battle for first place in the East Division. On the other hand, there's no clear cut favorite in the West Division, with No. 19 (CBN) Columbus State (26-14, 10-8) currently sitting in first place, while No. 24 Georgia College (25-14, 9-9), Georgia Southwestern (23-16, 9-9), and Augusta State (19-24, 9-12) trailing by just one game in the win column.

SIAC: Two teams are undefeated in their respective divisions so far. Benedict (23-9, 9-0) currently leads the East Division, with Albany State (21-16, 8-1) trailing by one game, while Stillman (19-15, 9-0) has a commanding three-game lead over Miles (18-13, 6-3) and Tuskegee (9-14, 6-3) in the West Division.

Softball/Baseball Update--Part 1

2011-04-11T17:45:00.003-04:00

Have you been wondering how your favorite baseball and/or softball team within D2 South Nation is doing lately? D2SS has the answers for you, starting with softball.

Note: All records listed are as of April 11, 2011.

Gulf South Conference: With one loss, as well as one tie, being the only blemishes on a otherwise outstanding record, No. 1 (NFCA) Alabama-Huntsville (35-1-1 overall) has a commanding lead in the East Division with a 19-0 mark in GSC play, while No. 4 (NFCA) Valdosta State (25-6) is all but locked into the No. 2 position. Meanwhile, Arkansas Tech (25-13, 16-3) has a firm grip on first place in the West Division, despite being nationally unranked, with Ouachita Baptist (15-17, 9-7) currently a distant second. Arkansas-Monticello (29-10, 9-9) has struggled to a .500 mark in GSC action despite being the 20th ranked team in the nation.

Peach Belt Conference: No. 3 (NFCA) North Georgia (42-9, 16-3) has clinched the PBC regular season title for the third straight season, as the Saints will be the top seed heading into the PBC tournament. On the other hand, No. 22 Armstrong Atlantic State (28-10, 13-7) is barely hanging onto second place, while Columbus State (36-13, 12-7) hoped to overtake the Pirates for the No. 2 seed going into the PBC tourney on Friday, April 15.

SIAC: It's a wide-open race heading down the stretch, as Fort Valley State (18-16, 17-5) and Clark-Atlanta (29-13, 18-8) are both separated by mere percentage points in the East, while Kentucky State (15-17, 15-7) and Tuskegee (20-13-1, 15-7) are tied for first place in the West. Can anybody say, "it's anybody's SIAC tournament to win?"

CLAYTON STATE WINS D-II WOMEN'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

2011-03-27T17:15:00.001-04:00

In case you missed it, there's a new national champion in NCAA Division II women's basketball, and a team from D-II South Nation has won it all!

The Clayton State University Lakers won their first-ever national championship Friday night, as they rolled past Michigan Tech, 69-50, in St. Joseph, Mo. The Laker women finished the 2010-2011 season at 35-1 with the win.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Clayton State University Sports Information

Click the following links below for bonus coverage:

Clayton News-Daily (Ga.)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Basketball: NCAA Regional Finals Monday and Tuesday

2011-03-14T16:28:00.001-04:00

Just one win away from the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. That's the position seven teams from D-II South Nation find themselves in, as the finals in both the Southeast and South Regions, respectively, get underway tonight (Monday) and Tuesday.

In the Southeast Region, it's an all-Peach Belt Conference final for the women, as No. 1 seed Clayton State (31-1) does battle with No. 2 seed Lander (29-3), while Arkansas Tech (29-2) takes on Delta State (28-3) in another 1 vs. 2 match-up for the right to represent the South Region in the national quarterfinals.

On the men's side, Southeast No. 1 seed Augusta State (30-3) hopes to advance to the Elite Eight for the fourth straight season. But the Jaguars must outlast the No. 7 seeded Trojans from Anderson (S.C.)--(20-11) in Tuesday night's regional final contest. The Trojans upset No. 2 seed Lincoln Memorial (27-3), then knocked off No. 6 seed Montevallo (19-11), to advance to the Sweet 16.

In the South Region, it's the Gulf South Conference vs. the SIAC, as No. 1 seed Alabama-Huntsville (28-4) takes on another No. 7 seed in Stillman (25-7), also on Tuesday night. The Tigers from Tuscaloosa, Ala. advanced to the regional finals by stunning No. 2 seed Harding (25-5), followed by a win over No. 6 seed Florida Southern (23-9).

NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament Preview and Analysis

2011-03-12T00:20:00.000-05:00

The NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament gets underway today (Saturday). Here are the links to both the Southeast and South Regionals, respectively, as well as the complete 64-team bracket below.

Southeast Region (at Augusta State)

South Region (at Alabama-Huntsville)

NCAA Division II Tournament Interactive Bracket (courtesy of NCAA.com)

Analysis: Although seeded first, as well as being the host team yet again for the Southeast Region, the path to a fourth straight NCAA Division II Elite Eight will be anything but smooth for Augusta State (28-3), as South Atlantic Conference regular season and tournament champion Lincoln Memorial (27-2) comes into the regional as the second seed.

In the South Region, it's a crapshoot, as all eight teams including top seed and host Alabama-Huntsville (26-4) have at least four losses. Additionally, both the Gulf South Conference and SIAC have three teams in the South Regional, while the Sunshine State Conference landed the other two bids. That alone should make for an interesting regional.

Basketball: Conference Tournament Wrap-Ups

2011-03-07T09:01:00.000-05:00

Gulf South Conference--at Southaven, Miss.

Arkansas Tech wins women's title, Harding takes men's crown (gscsports.org)

Peach Belt Conference--at Aiken, S.C.

Georgia College rolls past USC Aiken to win women's championship (peachbelt.com)

Augusta State crushes UNC Pembroke, wins men's title (peachbelt.com)

SIAC--at Atlanta

Fort Valley State wins women's crown (thesiac.com)

Clark Atlanta claims men's title (thesiac.com)

Basketball: Recapping the conference tournament action...so far

2011-03-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

Missing out on the conference basketball action so far? You're not alone. Here's what has happened through Thursday.

Gulf South Conference Women's Quarterfinals (at Southaven, Miss.)

Peach Belt Conference Men's Quarterfinals

Peach Belt Conference Women's Quarterfinals

SIAC Tournament (Atlanta)--Day 1

SIAC Tournament (Atlanta)--Day 2

Basketball conference tournament brackets set

2011-02-27T22:33:00.000-05:00

Another regular season is in the books. Conference tournament time has arrived. Here's how the brackets in each of the three conferences D2SS covers will look like.

Gulf South Conference Women

Gulf South Conference Men

Peach Belt Conference Women

Peach Belt Conference Men

SIAC Women

SIAC Men

Breaking down the conference races--Part 2 (Men)

2011-02-25T23:27:00.000-05:00

In our last installment, we broke down the races in women's basketball entering the final day of the regular season, which is Saturday (February 26). Now, let's take a look at how the men's races shape up.

Gulf South Conference: Alabama-Huntsville (24-3, 10-1) has already sealed the No. 1 seed in the GSC East. But it's the race for the other three spots from that division for next week's GSC tournament that has league observers glued to their computer screens on this final weekend of the regular season. Valdosta State (19-8, 6-5) fell into a tie for second place in the GSC East with North Alabama (13-14, 6-5) after an 83-78 upset loss at West Florida Thursday. The Blazers go to West Alabama (11-14, 5-6) needing a win to guarantee themselves a berth in the conference tournament. The Tigers are tied with West Georgia (14-11, 5-6) for the No. 4 seed in the East.

In the GSC West, Arkansas Tech (22-3, 13-0) clinched the No. 1 seed in that division after edging Harding (21-4, 11-2) in a 72-71 overtime thriller Thursday night. Both the Wonder Boys and Bison will join No. 3 seed Delta State (14-12, 8-5) and Arkansas-Monticello (14-11, 6-7) as the West Division representatives for next week's GSC tournament at Tupelo, Miss.

Peach Belt Conference: Augusta State (24-3, 14-3), who won the PBC regular season title despite losing all three games in conference play, will enter next week's conference tournament as the top seed from the East Division, while USC Aiken (16-9, 10-8) has locked up the No. 2 seed.

Georgia Southwestern (19-6, 12-4) clinched the No. 1 seed in the West Division after crushing Columbus State 71-52 Wednesday night. That leaves a mad scramble to complete the puzzle for next week's conference tourney, which can be explained by clicking here.

SIAC: Benedict (20-6, 20-4) has clinched the No. 1 spot going into next week's conference tournament in Atlanta, having swept Stillman (20-5, 19-4) in both regular season meetings.

Breaking down the conference races--Part 1 (Women)

2011-02-25T18:52:00.000-05:00

Time for another edition of "Breaking down the conference races." Saturday is the final day of the regular season, with teams either jockeying for position for next week's conference tournaments, or just to get there, period. Here's how the races in each of three conferences covered by D-II South Sports looks heading into this weekend.

Gulf South Conference: North Alabama (20-5, 11-0) is riding a 12-game winning streak heading into the GSC tournament, as the Lady Lions will be the No. 1 seed out of the East Division going into next week. West Alabama (18-7), Valdosta State (13-12), and Alabama-Huntsville (11-14) are all tied for second place at 6-5 with one game to play, with West Georgia (8-17) sitting just one game back of the fourth and final tourney spot at 5-6. In the West, Arkansas Tech (23-2, 12-1) can lock up the No. 1 seed in that division with a win over Ouachita Baptist, while Delta State (23-2, 11-2) can force a tie for the final GSC West crown with a win over Arkansas-Monticello, plus an ATU loss.

Peach Belt Conference: Thanks to their upset win over Lander (25-2, 15-2) Wednesday night, USC Aiken (24-4, 16-2) is assured of earning no worse than a share of the PBC East Division title. Still, the Lady Bearcats can pull themselves into that tie with a win over Augusta State this weekend. In the PBC West, North Georgia (15-12, 6-10) and Montevallo (9-16, 5-11) both find themselves in a fight for the final conference tournament berth from that division.

SIAC: Fort Valley State (19-9, 17-5) clinched the SIAC regular season title with an 81-79 overtime win over Tuskegee Thursday night. Meanwhile, Albany State (17-11, 16-6) must settle for the No. 2 seed for next week's SIAC tournament after losing to Stillman 75-67 at home on that same night.

Women's Basketball: USC Aiken knocks off Lander, 66-59

2011-02-24T18:21:00.000-05:00

The USC Aiken women's basketball team sent a message to the rest of the Peach Belt Conference that they'll be a squad to be reckoned with come tournament time, as the Lady Pacers handed WBCA No.2 Lander just its second loss of the season, in a 66-59 upset win at home Wednesday.

Recap courtesy of USC Aiken Sports Information

Women's Basketball--Lander/USC Aiken Preview

2011-02-22T16:57:00.000-05:00

It's No. 2 (WBCA) Lander against No. 14 USC Aiken in a Peach Belt Conference showdown Wednesday night at Aiken, S.C. At stake is the PBC East Division title, and the No. 1 seed that goes with it. Click on one of the following links below for a summary of previous games, as well as a preview of Wednesday's contest.

Lander stomps USCA, 78-56 (January 22, 2011/landerbearcats.com)

Lander blasts Flagler, 89-51 (landerbearcats.com)

USCA gets by AASU, 73-65 (pacersports.com)

Game Notes from USC Aiken (pacersports.com)

Breaking down the conference races--Part 2 (Men)

2011-02-18T18:00:00.002-05:00

In the last post, D2SS broke down the conference races in women's basketball. Now, it's the men's turn to take center stage. So what are we waiting for? Let's get started. All records listed are as of February 18, 2011.

Gulf South Conference: Alabama-Huntsville (22-4, 9-1) has clinched the East Division crown, as well as the No. 1 seed for the upcoming conference tournament, although the Chargers did see their 11-game winning streak come to a screeching halt with an upset loss at West Georgia (14-9, 5-4) Thursday night.

In the West Division, Arkansas Tech and Harding both carried 20-3 overall records into their final games ever as GSC members, with the Wonder Boys entering the weekend undefeated in league play at 11-0, and the Bisons not far behind at 10-1. Both Arkansas Tech and Harding will leave the GSC to join the all-new Great American Conference after this season.

Peach Belt Conference: Augusta State (22-3, 13-3) will enter the PBC tournament as the No. 1 seed from the East Division, despite losing all three games against conference foes (Flagler, Georgia College, and USC Aiken). That leaves four other teams (Armstrong Atlantic State, USCA, Francis Marion, and UNC Pembroke) fighting to join the Jaguars in the conference tourney, as only the top four teams in both divisions will move on to postseason play.

Meanwhile, in the West Division, Georgia Southwestern (17-6, 10-4) had a chance to separate itself from the rest of the pack en route to clinching the No. 1 seed on that side of the "Belt." But a surprising 85-83 loss to Georgia College (17-8, 8-6) in triple overtime Wednesday puts the Hurricanes in must-win mode if they want to win a division title.

SIAC: If you like following teams nicknamed the "Tigers", then you'll love the SIAC. Going the weekend, the Tigers from Benedict College of Columbia, S.C. (18-6, 18-4) held a one-game lead in the win column over the Tigers of Stillman College (18-5, 17-4) from Tuscaloosa, Ala. Also in the thick of the regular season championship are the Golden Tigers from, you guessed it, Tuskegee University (14-8, 14-6) , also from Alabama. Can anybody say, "wide-open conference tournament?"

Breaking down the conference races--Part 1 (Women)

2011-02-17T22:13:00.000-05:00

It's a little over halfway past February, and the regular season is starting to wind down. Here's how the races in each of the three conferences covered by D-II South Sports looks like, starting with the women's teams. All records listed are as of February 17, 2011.

Gulf South Conference: North Alabama (18-5, 9-0) has already wrapped up the East Division, while four other teams (West Alabama, Valdosta State, Alabama-Huntsville, and West Georgia) all have at least four losses in conference play. In the West Division, it's a two-team race for the No. 1 seed between Delta State (21-1, 9-1) and Arkansas Tech (20-2, 9-1).

Peach Belt Conference: Newly-minted WBCA No. 1 Clayton State ran its record to 25-0 (14-0) with a 64-54 win at Columbus State Wednesday night. The Laker women all but have the West Division title to themselves, as Georgia College (16-6, 8-6) has sole possession of second place in the PBC West. It's a different story in the East Division, though, as Lander (24-1, 14-1) and USC Aiken (22-4, 14-2) are separated by just one game in the loss column. Both teams will play each other on Wednesday, February 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. EST.

SIAC: It's really anybody's race in this league, as four teams (Fort Valley State, Albany State, Miles, and Tuskegee) have at least five conference losses, followed by Benedict with seven losses, and Kentucky State and Stillman with eight. It could set the tone for the most wide-open SIAC tournament in quite some time.

No. 2 takes down No. 1: Clayton State edges Lander, 83-81

2011-02-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it, the game of the year in NCAA Division II women's basketball went down to the wire, as expected. And the winner is: Clayton State. The WBCA No. 2 ranked Laker women handed the No. 1 ranked Lady Bearcats their first loss of the season, as they pulled an 83-81 win at home Thursday night.

Round-up

Clayton State University Sports Information

Lander University Sports Information

Women's Basketball: Lander, Clayton State square off in 1 vs. 2 showdown

2011-02-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

Both teams cruised to relatively easy wins in their last games. Now, both WBCA No. 1 ranked Lander, (23-0) and No. 2 Clayton State (22-0) are set to square off in perhaps the biggest regular season game yet, not just in the Peach Belt Conference, but at the NCAA Division II level as a whole. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. EST, from Morrow, Ga., located just south of Atlanta, Thursday night.

Read the following reports here and here.

Click here for live stats...

Or click here for live video.

Baseball/Softball Previews/Predictions

2011-02-08T17:58:00.000-05:00

Another Super Bowl is in the books. The basketball regular season is in its final month. That can only mean one thing: the spring sports season has arrived. Here's how the teams will finish, courtesy of the coaches who voted in the conferences covered by D2SS.

Softball

Gulf South Conference

Peach Belt Conference

SIAC (Preseason all-conference team only)

Baseball

Gulf South Conference

Peach Belt Conference

SIAC (Preseason all-conference team only)

Men's Basketball: Clayton State, Georgia Southwestern square off for supremacy in PBC West

2011-02-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

Almost a week after losing to Peach Belt Conference East Division leading Augusta State, the Hurricanes of Georgia Southwestern State University will look to stay on top in the West, as they make the trip to south metro Atlanta to face Clayton State.

GSW (14-4, 7-2) has a one-game lead over Clayton State (15-5, 6-3) entering this critical contest. The Hurricanes have won nine of the last 10 games, while the Lakers have won three games in a row, as well as six of their last eight contests dating back to Jan. 3. Tip-off is set for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. EST. Live audio can be accessed by clicking here.

Lander, Clayton State women's hoops ranked in Top 2

2011-01-26T19:51:00.000-05:00

The Peach Belt Conference made history on Tuesday. Lander and Clayton State were ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in the latest WBCA/ESPN/USA Today NCAA Division II women's basketball coaches poll. It's the first time in PBC history that two current league members ranked among the top two teams nationally.

Click here for the compete poll, courtesy of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association

Shorter University thinking D-II

2011-01-21T16:48:00.000-05:00

The Gulf South Conference might be here to stay after all. Officials at Shorter University in Rome, Ga. are exploring the possibility of moving up to the NCAA Division II ranks, as well as joining the GSC. Shorter athletic director Bill Peterson and president Harold Newman announced that move earlier this week. Click the link below for more details, courtesy of the Rome (Ga.) News-Tribune.

RN-T.com - Shorter University assessing possible move to NCAA Division II

Women's Basketball: Clayton State-USC Aiken showdown on national TV

2011-01-13T20:10:00.000-05:00

It's showdown time in the Peach Belt Conference this weekend, as USC Aiken (15-2, 7-0 PBC) plays host to unbeaten Clayton State (14-0, 3-0) this Saturday. The game will be televised live on CBS College Sports, starting at 12 p.m. EST. The game will also be carried in streaming video at NCAA.com.

Game preview courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.

Bonus Coverage

Clayton State University

USC Aiken

First Post of 2011

2011-01-04T22:45:00.000-05:00

So, here we are, a brand New Year! How are your favorite basketball teams faring so far? Click on one of the links below to find the current standings for each of the three conferences D2SS covers. All standings listed are as of January 4, 2011.

Gulf South Conference (*)

Peach Belt Conference Women

Peach Belt Conference Men

SIAC Women

SIAC Men

(*)--As of January 4, 2011, the Gulf South Conference web site was inactive. This is an issue that D2SS has no control over. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Fall Sports Season In Review 2010

2010-12-31T20:11:00.000-05:00

2010 is on the way out. 2011 is on the way in. Before saying goodbye to 2010, though, here's a brief look at how the fall sports season turned out for teams in D-II South Nation.

Men's Soccer

Clayton State reaches Elite Eight

Volleyball

Flagler, UWF reach Sweet 16

Women's Soccer

AASU falls in Sweet 16

State of the Conferences--Part 3

2010-12-29T22:10:00.002-05:00

After an extended hiatus, here's (finally) the third and final installment of the "State of the Conferences." This time, we take a look inside the SIAC.

Here are the current basketball standings in the SIAC as of December 29, 2010

Women

Men

Analysis: Other than talks about a potential merger with the Gulf South Conference, SIAC really don't have much to worry about in terms of conference realignment.

Questions or comments? Send e-mail to d2southsports@yahoo.com, post a comment at http://d2southsports.blogspot.com, or send a direct message to Twitter at http://twitter.com/d2southsports.

The State of the Conferences--Part 2

2010-11-18T19:15:00.000-05:00

Here's the second installment of the "State of the Conferences" covered by D2SS, with a look inside the Peach Belt Conference.

First, here's what the basketball coaches in the "Belt" had to say about how their teams will fare in 2010-2011.

Women

Men

Analysis: For most of its 20-plus years of competition at the NCAA Division II level, the Peach Belt Conference had been one of the most stable conferences in the nation. That all changed in 2005, though, as Kennesaw State University from metro Atlanta, and the University of North Florida, both left the PBC for the NCAA Division I ranks, with USC Upstate from South Carolina following suit two years later.

Still, that didn't stop the "Belt" from adding some solid schools to fill the void left by the aforementioned three schools, and then some, as North Georgia College & State University joined the conference in 2005, followed by Georgia Southwestern State University in 2006. In 2009, the PBC expanded to its current 13-school membership, with the addition of Flagler College out of St. Augustine, Fla., as well as the University of Montevallo from Alabama.

With the Gulf South Conference likely disbanding after this season, the PBC could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the ongoing conference realignment at the D-II level, as the "Belt" could expand to as many as 16 institiutions, spreading from the eastern Carolinas and Georgia, to Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Don't be surprised if current GSC members Alabama-Huntsville and West Florida eventually re-unite with former rival Montevallo in the coming years.

Questions or comments? Send e-mail to d2southsports@yahoo.com, post a comment at http://d2southsports.blogspot.com, or send a direct message to Twitter at http://twitter.com/d2southsports.

The State of the Conferences--Part 1--The Gulf South Conference

2010-11-12T15:45:00.002-05:00

After a lengthy, indefinite hiatus, the posts finally resume on D-II South Sports, just in time to tip-off the 2010-11 basketball season. However, it won't be the ordinary kind of post to get this season underway, as D2SS will have a brief analysis on what the future of each of the three conferences this blog covers. Of course, we'll start with the Gulf South Conference.

First, though, click on one of the respective links to find out who will finish on top in both the women's and men's races, respectively, in the GSC.

Analysis: With the decision of the six Arkansas schools to leave the Gulf South Conference, and form their own league in time for the 2011-12 academic year, the future of the nearly 40-year old, Southeastern-based circuit, is in serious doubt.

When the six schools in question (Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, and Southern Arkansas) eventually leave the GSC to join forces with the three Oklahoma institutions (East Central, Southeastern, and Southwestern) to form the still yet-to-be named conference, the former league will be left with just eight schools. Of the remaining eight schools, five (Delta State, North Alabama, Valdosta State, West Alabama, and West Georgia) currently have football programs, while the other three (Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, and West Florida) don't.

If that wasn't enough, there's talk that North Alabama may eventually decide to move up to the NCAA Division I level in the coming years, therefore accelerating the potential, eventual disbanding of the GSC. Or, there could be efforts to form some sort of a scheduling alliance with the football-playing schools of the GSC, with say, some of the schools in the SIAC, or maybe current Peach Belt Conference member UNC Pembroke, whose football program competes as an independent, to keep the league going.

Additionally, Lambuth University of Jackson, Tennessee is still in the process of becoming a full NCAA Division II member. That leaves yet another outside chance of the GSC staying afloat. Still, if the conference does disband, don't be surprised if leagues such as the PBC and SIAC either try to extend invitations schools as Alabama-Huntsville, Valdosta State, West Alabama, and West Georgia, or if schools such as Christian Brothers choose to drop down to the NCAA Division III level, especially if UNA decides to move up to D-I.

Questions or comments? Send e-mail to d2southsports@yahoo.com, or send a direct message to http://twitter.com/d2southsports/.

D2SS on Hiatus

2010-08-23T22:00:00.001-04:00

D-II South Sports will go an indefinite hiatus, at least as far as posting goes. However, those who want to follow match-ups on the key fall sports match-ups can go here via Twitter.

Valdosta State softball falls short in title bid

2010-05-31T22:45:00.000-04:00

The Valdosta State University softball team loses its shot to win a national championship, as the Lady Blazers lost to Hawaii Pacific, 4-3, in the NCAA Division II title game at St. Joseph, Mo. Monday. Also, North Georgia also fell short in its quest to go unbeaten, losing to VSU and Metro State (Colo.). Click here for the complete interactive bracket, as well as recap of the title game here.

GC&SU baseball season ends in heartbreak

2010-05-28T17:15:00.000-04:00

The Georgia College & State University baseball team saw its remarkable run in postseason play end in heartbreaking fashion Friday, as the Bobcats fell to Southern Indiana, 3-2, in the national semifinals of the NCAA Division II World Series at Cary, N.C. GC&SU shut out the Screaming Eagles, 3-2, to force a re-match against that same team.

Game summaries (courtesy of GCSUBobcats.com)

GC&SU 3, Southern Indiana 0 (Thursday)

Southern Indiana 3, GC&SU 2 (Friday)

Bobcats keep season going, eliminate Tampa

2010-05-25T16:55:00.000-04:00

The Georgia College & State University baseball team's dream season continues. Monday, the Bobcats eliminated the University of Tampa, 2-1, to advance to the next round of action Wednesday. That's when they'll face either UC San Diego or Central Missouri.

Click here for the details, courtesy of GCSUBobcats.com

Baseball World Series/Softball Super Regional Update

2010-05-23T19:20:00.002-04:00

GC&SU Baseball drops heartbreaker to UC San Diego, 3-2

Article courtesy of GCSUBobcats.com

North Georgia Softball: Still undefeated at 50-0

Article courtesy of SaintsSports.com

Valdosta State outlasts Arkansas-Monticello, wins South Region title

Article courtesy of the Valdosta (Ga.) Daily Times

GC&SU Baseball ready for D-II World Series

2010-05-22T15:01:00.000-04:00

Less than a week after crushing top seed and host Francis Marion to win the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional, it's back to work for the Georgia College & State University baseball team. The Bobcats (39-15) open the D-II World Series against UC San Diego this afternoon (Saturday) at 5 p.m. EDT.

Click here for the D-II World Series interactive bracket.

Click here to listen to live play-by-play of the Bobcats.

Softball Super Regional Previews

2010-05-20T18:30:00.000-04:00

The NCAA Division II Softball Super Regionals get underway Friday. North Georgia looks to continue its march towards history, while Valdosta State must try to get past an upstart Gulf South Conference team from the opposite division to advance to the national championship tournament. Click the link (s) below for previews, and/or the link (s) to tournament websites.

Southeast Super Regional--at Dahlonega, Ga.

North Georgia (48-0) vs. Lenoir-Rhyne (53-7)

Preview

Website

South Super Regional--at Valdosta, Ga.

Valdosta State (46-7) vs. Arkansas-Monticello (54-11)

Preview

North Georgia softball advance to Super-Regionals

2010-05-17T16:10:00.000-04:00

The North Georgia College & State University softball team continues its undefeated season. The Saints pitches a 5-0 shutout over Francis Marion in Sunday's Southeast Regional #2 championship game to advance to next weekend's Southeast Super Regional Championship Series. North Georgia does battle against Lenoir-Rhyne, who won the other sub-regional over Augusta State Sunday. Click here for the recap.

GC&SU Baseball advances to D-II World Series!!!

2010-05-17T11:33:00.000-04:00

The Georgia College & State University Bobcats are headed to the NCAA Division II World Series!!! GC&SU punched its ticket to the national tournament at Cary, N.C. after dominating top-seeded Francis Marion in a 9-0 rout in the Southeast Regional title game Sunday.

It's the baseball program's first appearance in the championship round since 1995. That's when GC&SU was known as Georgia College, the team's nickname was the Colonials, and the school colors were brown & gold, not hunter green & navy blue, as it is now. The then Colonials finished as national runners-up 15 years ago.

Click here for the complete story on how the Bobcats did it. Additionally, a video of the final out can be viewed here.

D-II Regionals: Stats, Streams, and More

2010-05-12T16:00:00.002-04:00

Here are the web sites for the 2010 NCAA Division II baseball and softball regional tournaments. This includes additional links to live stats, as well as any streaming audio and/or video. Click any of the following links listed below.

Baseball

Southeast (at Florence, S.C.)

South (at Tampa, Fla.)

Softball

Southeast Sub-Regional #1 (at Hickory, N.C.)

Southeast Sub-Regional #2 (at Dahlonega, Ga.)

South Sub-Regional #1 (at Huntsville, Ala.)

South Sub-Regional #2 (at Valdosta, Ga.)

NCAA Tournament Selections Announced

2010-05-10T15:16:00.000-04:00

The selection committees have spoken, and there's a big surpise as to where this year's NCAA Division II South Regional baseball tournament will be played. On the softball diamond, one team hopes to continue its march towards history. Click the link (s) below to find out which teams from D-II South Nation made the NCAA Regionals for 2010.

Southeast Region Baseball (at Florence, S.C.)

South Region Baseball (at Tampa, Fla.)

Southeast Region Softball #1 (at Hickory, N.C.)

Southeast Region Softball #2 (at Dahlonega, Ga.)

South Region Softball #1 (at Huntsville, Ala.)

South Region Softball #2 (at Valdosta, Ga.)

Underdogs rule at PBC Baseball Tourney

2010-05-09T01:32:00.000-04:00

It was a bad day for higher-seeded teams in the opening round of the Peach Belt Conference baseball tournament at Aiken, S.C. Saturday. The upsets included two teams winning their first-ever PBC tournament games. Click the following link (s) below for details on all four games.

Georgia Southwestern 14, Francis Marion 6

Flagler 7, North Georgia 5

Columbus State 13, UNC Pembroke 7

USC Aiken 5, Georgia College & State University 4

Baseball/Softball Postseason Update

2010-05-05T15:00:00.000-04:00

Conference baseball tournament action is well underway throughout D-II South Nation, and already the top two seeds in the Gulf South Conference tournament have at least one loss. That tourney was moved to the campus of Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. because of the widespread flooding around Millington, Tenn., where it usually takes place.

Click here for how the action has turned out so far.

Also, the Albany State University baseball and softball teams recently took home SIAC tournament titles, and will advance to the NCAA Division II tournament later this month. Click here and here to find out both the Golden Rams and Lady Rams did it.

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-04-30T15:15:00.000-04:00

It might be hard to believe, but the end of another spring sports season is near, and for some of the teams that are still playing, it's either win or go home, or just merely improving their chances for a higher seed at the NCAA tournament. With that in mind, let's preview some of the upcoming conference tournaments.

Baseball

Gulf South Conference Tournament--at Millington, Tenn. (May 3-7, 2010)

The anticipation of severe weather near Millington this weekend has prompted the postponement of the GSC tourney until Monday at the latest. No. 4 (Collegiate Baseball) Southern Arkansas is favored to captured that league's autobid to the NCAA Division II tournament, although mainstays such as Delta State, West Florida, and Valdosta State appear to be in the mix as well. In the meantime, find out the pairings for this year's event by clicking here.

Peach Belt Conference Tournament--at Aiken, S.C. (May 8-9, 2010)

Meanwhile, the pairings for the PBC tourney at Aiken, S.C. are out, and this year's eight-team field includes a pair of newcomers in the Flagler College Saints from Saint Augustine, Fla., as well as the Georgia Southwestern State University Hurricanes out of Americus, Ga. GSW is making its first-ever PBC tournament appearance in its fourth year in the "Belt". Francis Marion (East) and Georgia College & State University enter the tourney as top seeds in their respective divisions, while other teams to watch include North Georgia, UNC Pembroke, USC Aiken, and Columbus State. Should be a fun tournament to follow.

Click here for the complete tournament bracket.

Softball

Gulf South Conference Tournament--at Southaven, Miss. (continues through Sunday)

Action got underway Friday morning, with nationally-ranked Alabama-Huntsville and Valdosta State already winning their opening round games. Follow the action here.

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-04-23T14:10:00.000-04:00

Some critical series; in softball, as well as baseball, lead off this installment of D2SS: The Weekend. Here goes!

The Valdosta State University baseball and softball head down to the westernmost end of the Florida Panhandle this weekend for two key series in the Gulf South Conference East Division, as both take on the University of West Florida Argonauts and Lady Argonauts, respectively, this Saturday and Sunday.

Leading things off on the softball diamond, the VSU Lady Blazers (38-5, 21-4 GSC) will make the trip to Pensacola with an outright GSC East title at stake, as they do battle with the UWF (36-12, 15-10) women in an early afternoon doubleheader. Meanwhile, Alabama-Huntsville (35-9, 20-3) hopes to hold on to a precarious lead within the division, as the Chargers face off against West Alabama (38-21, 10-13) at home. The Tigers are tied with North Alabama (26-27, 10-13) for the fourth and final GSC tournament berth from the East.

On the baseball diamond, the top-ranked (Collegiate Baseball) Muleriders of the University of Southern Arkansas (38-4, 17-0) may have already clinched the Gulf South Conference West Division title outright. But they still face a critical test on the road this weekend, as they travel to Cleveland, Miss. to face No. 20 Delta State (32-13-1, 11-6). The Statesmen are battling Arkansas Tech (33-14, 13-4) for the GSC West's No. 2 seed in the upcoming conference tournament next weekend.

In the GSC East, the battle for the No. 1 spot on that side takes in Pensacola, as West Florida (33-15, 10-2) takes on No. 14 Valdosta State (35-13, 9-3). The Blazers can win no worse than a share of the division title by winning two of three games over the Argonauts this weekend.

Where to watch/listen

NOTE: All times are local to home team.

Softball

Valdosta State at West Florida--Saturday 1 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader)

UWF Video Webcast Link

Baseball

Southern Arkansas at Delta State--Saturday 3 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 2 p.m. CDT

DSU Live Stats Link

Valdosta State at West Florida--Saturday 2 p.m. (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

VSU Audio Link

UWF Video Webcast Link

In case you missed it...

2010-04-20T10:45:00.000-04:00

the North Georgia softball team has won back-to-back Peach Belt Conference tournament titles. The Lady Saints accomplished that feat after rallying to defeat Francis Marion 9-5 in the championship game last Sunday. The No. 1 ranked (NFCA) Saints now take an undefeated 45-0 record into the NCAA Division II tournament in May.

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-04-16T14:20:00.000-04:00

Another weekend of key conference spring sports match-ups is on tap for this weekend...But first...

There's a coaching change at Arkansas Tech University, as men's basketball head coach Mark Downey has stepped down to take over the reins at the University of Charleston (W. Va.). Downey led the Wonder Boys to their best season ever, going 30-2 overall, and losing to eventual South Region champion Valdosta State in the NCAA Division II tournament. Doug Karleskint is now the head coach at ATU. He was Downey's top assistant coach this past season.

In the Peach Belt Conference, Columbus State University also has a new men's basketball head coach. Robert Moore became that program's sixth head coach last week. He'll take over for Doug Branson, who left CSU after going 50-62 in four seasons at the Cougar helm.

The big match-ups

NOTE: Baseball rankings are courtesy of Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. Softball rankings are courtesy of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

All times are local to home team.

Baseball

Arkansas Tech (30-14, 10-4) at #15 Delta State (31-10-1, 11-3)--Saturday 3 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 2 p.m. CDT

The Statesmen will put their 13-game winning streak on the line against the Wonder Boys, who have won five straight games going into this weekend.

North Alabama (22-19, 4-5) at West Alabama (21-15, 2-7)--Saturday 3 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

The Tigers play host to the Lions in a Gulf South Conference East Division series with conference tournament implications.

#8 Francis Marion (33-9, 12-6) at #21 UNC Pembroke (28-11, 12-9)--Saturday 1 p.m. EDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Patriots and Braves do battle in a critical Peach Belt Conference East Division showdown. FMU is 8-4 against PBC East Division opponents, while UNCP is 9-3.

#7 Columbus State (32-8, 9-6) at Georgia Southwestern (22-14)--Friday 6 p.m. EDT and Saturday 2 p.m. EDT

The Hurricanes host the Cougars in a battle for positioning for postseason positioning in the PBC West.

Softball

Peach Belt Conference Tournament--at Florence, S.C. (through Sunday)

No. 1 ranked (NFCA) North Georgia (42-0) will take an undefeated record into this weekend.

#12 Alabama-Huntsville (33-7, 18-1) at #3 Valdosta State (34-5, 17-4)--Sunday 1 p.m. EDT (Doubleheader)

The Lady Blazers face the Chargers in a battle of the top two teams in the GSC East.

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-04-09T14:10:00.000-04:00

Spring is in full swing, literally, as the postseason races in softball and baseball begin to heat up. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started.

Softball regional rankings released: Teams from D-II South Nation are well represented in this week's poll. Valdosta State is one six Gulf South Conference teams represented in the South Region this week, as the Lady Blazers top the list at No. 1, with Alabama-Huntsville sitting at No. 2. Other GSC teams in this week's regional rankings are Arkansas-Monticello (No. 4), West Florida (No. 5), West Alabama (No. 9), and Ouachita Baptist (No. 10).

North Georgia (37-0 as of April 9) is not only the top team in the nation, according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), it's also tops in the Southeast Region, says the NCAA Division II Softball Committee. The Saints have plenty of company though, as four other teams in the Peach Belt Conference; Armstrong Atlantic State (No. 3), Augusta State (No. 4), Francis Marion (No. 6), and Flagler (No. 9) made the regional rankings as well.

Baseball rankings: Southern Arkansas sits on top in both the Collegiate Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association polls going into this weekend's action. In the former poll, Columbus State is one six teams from the Belt that made this week's rankings. The Collegiate Baseball poll is here, while the NCBWA rankings are here.

The big match-ups

NOTE: All times are local to home team.

Baseball

UNC Pembroke (26-9, 11-7) at GC&SU (24-10, 12-3)--Saturday 1 p.m. EDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Bobcats play host to the Braves in a key intra-divisional PBC match-up.

Valdosta State (29-11, 7-2) at North Alabama (19-17, 3-3)--Saturday 1 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

Alabama-Huntsville (22-10, 3-3) at West Florida (26-13, 7-2)--Saturday 2 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

The top four teams in the Gulf South Conference East Division square off in a pair of critical series.

Softball

GSC Crossover at Decatur, Ala.

All 13 GSC teams are competing at this event, which started Thursday, and ends on Sunday.

By the time you read this...

2010-04-02T16:35:00.000-04:00

The top four baseball teams in the Peach Belt Conference West Division will be squaring off in two critical series this Easter weekend. One of those pits Georgia College & State University against Georgia Southwestern State University, while Columbus State does battle against North Georgia. The Bobcats (20-10, 9-3) lead the Saints (23-9, 11-4) by mere percentage points, while the Hurricanes (18-8, 8-4) are one full game behind both teams, and the Cougars barely stand above .500 in PBC play despite a league-best 25-6 overall record.

The full PBC standings can be found here.

Oh, and by the way, Happy Easter from D-II South Sports.

D2SS: The Weekend (Part 2)

2010-03-26T17:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some brief previews for marque match-ups on the softball diamond this weekend. All rankings are courtesy of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). All games listed are doubleheaders unless otherwise noted. All times local to home team.

Gulf South Conference

#15 West Florida (27-4, 6-2) at #4 Valdosta State (19-3, 5-3)--Saturday 3 p.m. EDT

The Lady Blazers host the Argonauts in a key Gulf South Conference East Division match-up.

#6 Alabama-Huntsville (21-4, 6-0) at West Alabama (23-11, 2-4)--Sunday 2 p.m. CDT

The Chargers enter this twin bill on an eight-game winning streak.

Ouachita Baptist (25-11, 6-6) at Arkansas-Monticello (30-5, 7-1)--Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

The Cotton Blossoms look to stay on top in the GSC West against the Tigers.

Peach Belt Conference

UNC Pembroke (25-12, 8-6) at Flagler (20-16, 4-4)--Saturday 1 p.m. EDT

The Braves head south to face the newcomer Saints from Florida in a battle for positioning heading into the upcoming PBC tournament.

Francis Marion (24-9, 9-5) at Armstrong Atlantic State (22-9, 1-3)--Saturday 2 p.m. EDT

The Pirates play host to the Patriots in another battle of teams along I-95.

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-03-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

D2SS: The Weekend is back with some baseball, and softball too...But first...

Here are a few quick final thoughts on the just finished basketball season for D-II South Nation. It was one and done for all three representatives in the D2SS coverage region.

On Tuesday, the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns (31-3) trailed 44-29 en route to a season-ending 77-62 loss to Franklin Pierce (N.H.) in the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight at St. Joseph, Mo. It was the Golden Suns first appearance in the Elite Eight since 1999, when they lost to North Dakota in the national championship game that season.

On the men's side, both Southeast Regional champion Augusta State (29-4) and South Regional champion Valdosta State (28-5) suffered swift exits from the NCAA Division II Elite Eight at Springfield, Mass. Wednesday.

Making its first-ever trip to the Elite Eight, the VSU men led by 12 points at the second half, only to surrender 21 unanswered points in an 80-64 loss to Indiana (Pa.). The 28 wins by the 2009-10 Blazers are the most in the 56-year history of Valdosta State men's basketball.

The third time proved to not be the charm for Augusta State, as the No. 4 (NABC) ranked Jaguars found themselves on the wrong of a 67-64 upset loss to Bentley (Mass.) Wednesday. That loss continued a regression in advancement for the Jags, as they lost in the Final Four to Cal Poly Pomona last season, and to Winona State (Minn.) in the national championship game in 2008.

Talking baseball (and softball)

How's your team faring on the diamond this year? Here's a quick look at the standings. Click on the link (s) listed below. Standings are current as of March 26, 2010.

Baseball standings

Gulf South Conference

Peach Belt Conference

SIAC

Softball standings

Gulf South Conference

Peach Belt Conference

SIAC (standings unavailable)

The rankings

Collegiate Baseball Poll (Southern Arkansas checks in at No. 4)

NFCA Poll (North Georgia #1, VSU #4, UAH #6)

The marquee match-ups

Baseball

West Alabama (16-10, 1-2) at #18 (Collegiate Baseball) Valdosta State (22-10)--Saturday 1 p.m. EDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m.

The Blazers do battle with the Tigers in a key Gulf South Conference East Division series.

Arkansas-Monticello (17-12, 3-2) at #4 Southern Arkansas (24-3, 5-0)--Saturday 3 p.m. CDT (Doubleheader)

The Muleriders will ride a 13-game winning streak into this critical Gulf South Conference West Division clash.

#19 GC&SU (15-8, 7-2) at #7 USC Aiken (21-8, 10-2)--Saturday 3 p.m. EDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Bobcats take on the Pacers in a battle of Peach Belt Conference division leaders.

#9 Columbus State (22-5, 3-3) at #17 UNC Pembroke (19-6, 7-5)--Saturday 1 p.m. EDT (Doubleheader) and Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Braves play host to the Cougars in another huge inter-divisional PBC match-up.

Lander (17-9, 3-6) at #16 North Georgia (20-8, 9-3)--Saturday 3 p.m. EDT (Doubleheader)

Both the Bearcats and Saints enter this series on four-game winning streaks.

Hoops season over for Augusta State, Valdosta State

2010-03-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

In with a bang, out with a whimper. That's how both the Augusta State University Jaguars and the Valdosta State University Blazers entered and exited the NCAA Division II men's basketball Elite Eight at Springfield, Mass. Wednesday. The Blazers squandered a 12-point halftime lead by giving 21 unanswered points to start the second half in a 80-64 loss to Indiana (Pa.), while the Jaguars were upset by Bentley (Mass.) on a three-point shot in the closing seconds.

Click the link (s) below for more details.

Indiana (Pa.) 80, VSU 64 (vstateblazers.com)

Bentley 67, Augusta State 64 (Augusta State University)

Sun "sets" on Golden Suns season

2010-03-24T15:55:00.000-04:00

The Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns women's basketball saw a remarkable season come to an end, as they fell to Franklin Pierce (N.H.) 77-62 at St. Joseph, Mo. Wednesday. Click here for more details, courtesy of the ATU Sports Information Department.

Elite Eight Previews

2010-03-22T17:20:00.001-04:00

Only 16 NCAA Division II basketball teams are still playing, with three of those from D-II South Nation, as the Elite Eight gets underway with the women's event in St. Joseph, Mo. Tuesday, followed by the men's championships in Springfield, Mass. Wednesday. Click the link (s) below to find out details on the Arkansas Tech women, Augusta State men, and Valdosta State men, and their opponents, for this week.

NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight--Arkansas Tech vs. Franklin Pierce (Tuesday 2:30 p.m. CDT)

Arkansas Tech University Sports Information

NCAA Division II Men's Elite Eight--Augusta State vs. Bentley (Wednesday 8:30 p.m. EDT)

Media Guide (courtesy of Augusta State University Sports Information)

NCAA Division II Men's Elite Eight--Valdosta State vs. Indiana (Pa.)--(Wednesday 2:30 p.m. EDT)

Elite Eight Page (courtesy of Valdosta State University Sports Information)

Augusta State, Valdosta State advance to Elite Eight

2010-03-17T17:00:00.000-04:00

Augusta State, Valdosta State move on the NCAA Division II men's basketball Elite Eight with wins in their respective regional finals Tuesday night, while Arkansas Tech took home the women's South Regional crown with a win over archrival Delta State. Click the link (s) below for more details.

South Regional Women's Final--at Russellville, Ark.

Arkansas Tech 73, Delta State 62 (courtesy of Arkansas Tech University Sports Information)

Southeast Regional Men's Final--at Augusta, Ga.

Augusta State 79, Montevallo 71 (courtesy of Augusta State University Sports Information)

South Regional Men's Final--at Russellville, Ark.

Valdosta State 71, Rollins 58 (courtesy of vstateblazers.com)

NCAA Division II Hoops Regional Update

2010-03-16T16:15:00.000-04:00

At least two teams from D-II South Nation will be assured of an appearance in the Elite Eight after tonight (Tuesday), while another team's quest to get there falls short. Click the link (s) below to find out more.

Southeast Regional Women's Final (Monday)

Tusculum trips up Lander, ends Lady Bearcats season (Courtesy of landerbearcats.com)

South Regional Women's Final--Tuesday 6 p.m. CDT (at Russellville, Ark.)

Arkansas Tech, Delta State clash one more time (Game note courtesy of gostatesmen.com)

Southeast Regional Men's Final--Tuesday 7 p.m. EDT (at Augusta, Ga.)

Augusta State, Montevallo square off in third and final meeting (Courtesy of Augusta State University Sports Information)

South Regional Men's Final--Tuesday 8:30 p.m. CDT (at Russellville, Ark.)

Valdosta State battles Rollins for right to go to Elite Eight (Courtesy of vstateblazers.com)

Shocker at D-II South Regional: VSU upsets No. 1 ATU

2010-03-15T22:25:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it Sunday night, the Valdosta State University men's basketball team proved why it's called "March Madness", as the Blazers stunned No. 1 Arkansas Tech 72-60 at Russellville, Ark. The VSU men advance to Tuesday's regional final with the shocking win. The details are here.

NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Bracket Update

2010-03-14T19:45:00.000-04:00

Is your favorite team moving on? Or going home? Click one of the link (s) below to find out.

Women

Men

NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Breakdowns--South Men

2010-03-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

Our final installment of breakdowns leading to the start of the NCAA Division II basketball tournament shines the spotlight on the men's bracket in the South Region, which starts Saturday on the campus of Arkansas Tech University.

NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.

South Region Men--at Russellville, Ark.

March 13, 14, & 16.

All Times Central

2. Rollins (25-4) vs. 7. Alabama-Huntsville (23-6)--1 p.m.

The Gulf South Conference tournament runner-up Chargers clash with the Sunshine State Conference tournament champion Tars.

3. Florida Southern (20-4) vs. 6. Barry (15-10)--3:30 p.m.

The Mocs face the Bucs in an all-SSC battle.

1. Arkansas Tech (29-1) vs. 8. Tuskegee (19-9)--6 p.m.

The No. 1 (NABC) ranked Wonder Boys do battle with the SIAC tournament champion Tigers from Alabama.

4. Valdosta State (20-4) vs. 5. Clark Atlanta (23-6)--8:30 p.m.

It's the Blazers battling the Panthers for the right to move to round two.

NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Breakdowns--Southeast Men

2010-03-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Here comes another installment of NCAA Division II basketball tournament breakdowns. This time, it's the men's Southeast bracket at Augusta State University.

NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.

Southeast Regional Men--at Augusta, Ga.

March 13, 14, and 16--All Times Eastern

Tournament Website

Bracket

3. Georgia College & State University (22-5) vs. 6. USC Aiken (19-10)--Noon

The Bobcats face off against the Pacers in a regular season re-match between the two Peach Belt Conference powers. USCA knocked off GC&SU 69-65 on Feb. 13. The Pacers enter the NCAA tournament as the PBC tournament champions, while the Bobcats hope to bounce back after being bounced by Clayton State in the PBC tourney quarterfinals.

2. Mount Olive (25-5) vs. 7. Montevallo (23-7)--2:30 p.m.

The Falcons return to the NCAA tournament after reaching the PBC tournament title game in their inaugural PBC season, losing to USC Aiken. The Trojans advanced to postseason play as an automatic qualifier from Conference Carolinas after holding off Anderson (S.C.) 83-80 in the championship game there.

1. Augusta State (24-3) vs. 8. Brevard (19-9)--6 p.m.

Despite being upset by Montevallo in the PBC tournament semifinals, the Jaguars still have their sights set on advancing to their straight Elite Eight. They'll face a Tornados team that's in the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time ever after winning the South Atlantic Conference tournament.

4. Catawba (20-10) vs. 5. Anderson (S.C.)--8:30 p.m.

Both teams are coming off tough championship game losses from last weekend. The Indians lost to Brevard, 93-92, while the Trojans fell to their namesakes from Mount Olive, 83-80.

NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Breakdowns--South Women

2010-03-09T23:05:00.001-05:00

Here's the latest installment of our NCAA Division II basketball tournament regional previews, featuring the women's bracket in the South Region.

South Region Women--at Russellville, Ark.

NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type. All times Central.

2. Delta State (24-3) vs. 7. Lynn (16-10)--1:30 p.m.

The Gulf South Conference tournament runners-up open the South Regional against the Knights from Boca Raton, Fla., and the Sunshine State Conference.

3. Fort Valley State (26-2) vs. 6. Valdosta State (18-8)--4 p.m.

The Wildcats do battle against the Lady Blazers for the right to face the winner of the DSU-Lynn contest. FVSU was upset by Stillman in round two of the SIAC tournament, while VSU reached the semifinals of the GSC tourney before losing to the Lady Statesmen.

1. Arkansas Tech (26-2) vs. 8. Benedict (21-8)--6:30 p.m.

The Golden Suns face off against the SIAC tournament champion Tigers.

4. Tampa (22-4) vs. 5. Barry (18-8)--9 p.m.

The Spartans square off against the Buccaneers in a showdown of Sunshine State conference teams.

NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Breakdowns--Southeast Women

2010-03-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

The road to the NCAA Division II basketball championships begins with a quick breakdown of the women's bracket in the Southeast Region.

Women's Southeast Regional--at Greenwood, S.C.

March 12-13, 15

Tournament Website

NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type. All times Eastern.

3. Francis Marion (26-4) vs. 6. Newberry (21-8)--noon

The Peach Belt Conference tournament runner-up Patriots hope to bounce back after being blown out by Clayton State in Sunday's title game. Newberry comes into the Southeast Regional after a similar runner-up finish in the finals of the South Atlantic Conference tournament.

2. Clayton State (24-6) vs. 7. Tusculum (20-9)--2:30 p.m.

The Lakers are fresh off their third PBC tournament title in the last six years, as they look to make a return trip to the Elite Eight. The Pioneers, on the other hand, are making their third straight appearance in the NCAA tournament.

1. Lander (25-3) vs. 8. Anderson (S.C)--(20-10)--6 p.m.

Despite being upset by eventual PBC tourney champion Clayton State, the Lady Bearcats still earned the top seed--as well as the host role--for this year's Southeast Regional. They'll host a Trojans team that earned their way to the NCAA regionals by winning the automatic bid from Conference Carolinas.

5. Carson-Newman (23-6) vs. 4. Lenoir-Rhyne (21-7)--8:30 p.m.

It's the Eagles doing battle against the Bears in a battle of 20-win teams from the South Atlantic Conference.

NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Fields Announced

2010-03-08T00:40:00.000-05:00

Click the links below for the complete 64-team fields in both the women's and men's brackets. By the way, D-II South Nation is well represented in both fields.

Women

Men

Conference Hoops Championship Results

2010-03-07T19:35:00.000-05:00

Close calls in the Gulf South Conference finals. Surprise results in the Peach Belt Conference title games. And the SIAC crowned its champions Saturday night. Click on the links below for the results.

Gulf South Conference--at Southaven, Miss. (Sunday)

Women--Arkansas Tech downs Delta State in double overtime

Men--Arkansas Tech edges Alabama-Huntsville, 64-63

Peach Belt Conference--at Aiken, S.C. (Sunday)

Women--Clayton State routs Francis Marion for title

Men--USC Aiken wins elusive championship

SIAC--at Atlanta (Saturday)

Benedict 72, Stillman 66

Tuskegee trips up Clark-Atlanta for men's title

GSC Tournament Finals set

2010-03-06T23:00:00.000-05:00

Gulf South Conference Tournament Semifinals--at Southaven, Miss. (Saturday)

Women

Arkansas Tech 68, Harding 45

Delta State 72, Valdosta State 60

Men

Arkansas Tech 57, Valdosta State 48

Alabama-Huntsville 97, North Alabama 79

Upset Saturday at the PBC Tournament

2010-03-06T22:48:00.000-05:00

It's called "March Madness" for good reason. And both Peach Belt Conference basketball regular season champions found themselves walking off the court as upset losers as a result. Click the links below for a recap of these stunning results, and more, from the PBC tournament at Aiken, S.C.

PBC Women's Semifinals

Clayton State 79, Lander 77 (overtime)

Francis Marion 66, Georgia College & State University 61

PBC Men's Semifinals

Montevallo 81, Augusta State 77 (The Falcons pull off the upset over the No. 1 (NABC) Jaguars)

USC Aiken 58, Clayton State 55

Conference Hoops Tournament Update--Gulf South Conference Men's Quarterfinals

2010-03-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

The re-match of last season's men's championship game is set, while there's a huge upset in one of the quarterfinal contests. Read the first-hand accounts of all four games from opening day, direct from Southaven, Miss., by clicking here.

Conference Hoops Tournament Update

2010-03-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

Here's what's happened since the last installment.

Gulf South Conference: Three of the West Division's four representatives advanced to Saturday's semifinal action in the women's bracket at Southaven, Miss. Thursday. West No. 1 seed Arkansas Tech and No. 2 seed Delta State cruised to easy wins, while West No. 3 Harding pulled off the lone upset of the tournament so far, as the Bisons ousted East Division No. 2 seed North Alabama with a 73-66 win. East No. 1 seed Valdosta State was the only team from that division to move on to semifinal, as the Lady Blazers eliminated West No. 4 seed Christian Brothers 64-49. In the first game of men's quarterfinal action Friday, the VSU men joined their female counterparts in advancing to Saturday semifinal action, as the East No. 1 Blazers downed West No. 4 Arkansas-Monticello, 74-61.

Peach Belt Conference: Not much to report here, as all of the action resumes on Saturday afternoon from Aiken, S.C., on the campus of USC Aiken. Should be some good games though. Click here to watch all of the action from the PBC "Final Four" weekend.

SIAC: While the top seed in the women's bracket (Fort Valley State) fell in round two Wednesday, their male counterparts cruised their way into the semis, as No. 1 seed Clark Atlanta crushed No. 9 seed Kentucky State, 78-60. Click here to see how that bracket has developed so far.

Conference Hoops Tournament Update

2010-03-04T16:07:00.000-05:00

Two days have come and gone in the D-II South Nation version of "Championship Week", and already there have been at least two huge upsets. Here's what has happened so far.

The Gulf South Conference has a blog on how the 2010 tournament has progressed so far. You can follow the action on Thursday's women's session here, as well as Friday's men's session here. Already, East No. 1 seed Valdosta State has sent West No. 4 seed Christian Brothers packing with a 64-49 win in the women's bracket in the opening game of the quarterfinal round at Southaven, Miss. Thursday.

It will be a battle of 20-game winners in the women's bracket at Aiken, S.C. this Saturday, as semifinal action in the Peach Belt Conference tournament gets underway then. Regular season champion Lander (25-2) moved on to the semis with an 89-70 rout of UNC Pembroke in quarterfinal action Tuesday. Francis Marion (25-3) also moved on to the PBC Final Four after holding off USC Aiken 75-64. The West Division's top two seeds, on the other hand, had to hold on to move on in the PBC tourney, as No. 1 seed Georgia College & State University (21-7)needed overtime to edge and eliminate Georgia Southwestern 61-60, while No. 2 seed Clayton State (22-6) escaped with a 65-64 win over Columbus State.

As mentioned at the top of this post, there was a major upset in the men's bracket at the PBC tournament Wednesday. While regular season champion and East No. 1 seed Augusta State (26-2) managed to fend off a challenge from a scrappy Armstrong Atlantic State team to win 83-80, the other No. 1 seed wasn't so fortunate, as West No. 4 seed Clayton State (16-12) shocked West No. 1 seed GC&SU (22-5) 77-66. Elsewhere, the third time proved to be the charm for West No. 2 seed Montevallo (22-6) 88-79. The Saints swept the regular season serires from the Falcons, but came up empty in the third and final meeting between these two teams. In Aiken, S.C. East No. 2 seed USC Aiken (17-10) will play at least one more game on its home floor, as the Pacers advanced to Saturday's semifinal action with an 80-59 rout of Francis Marion.

Finally, the SIAC tournament in Atlanta had its own shocker, as No. 1 seed (and top ranked team in the South Region) Fort Valley State, lost for only the second time all season, as No. 8 Stillman stunned the Wildcats, 72-68 Wednesday. The loss could prove costly for the FVSU women, as No. 2 South Region ranked Delta State could steal the top seed and host role from the Wildcats come Selection Sunday. Of course, that will depend upon how the Lady Statesmen at this weekend's Gulf South Conference tournament.

Conference tournaments brackets set

2010-02-28T21:07:00.000-05:00

Goodbye, regular season. Hello, postseason. Here's how the brackets shape up for the basketball conference tournaments.

Gulf South Conference--at Southaven, Miss. (March 4-7)

Women

Men

Peach Belt Conference--at site of higher seeds (March 2-3), at Aiken, S.C. (March 6-7)

Women

Men

SIAC--at Atlanta (March 2-6)

Women

Men

D2SS: The Weekend (Part 2)

2010-02-26T22:01:00.001-05:00

Regular season champions crowned. No. 1 seeds secured. Many more questions still unanswered. Those are just several of the storylines involving men's basketball teams in D-II South Nation, as the final day of the regular season in NCAA Division II hoops approaches. Here's how things shape up in each of three conferences going into Saturday.

Gulf South Conference: Well, it finally happened. No. 1 (NABC) Arkansas Tech suffered its first loss of the season, as Arkansas-Monticello (13-10, 8-5) pulled off the 58-51 upset win at home Thursday night. Despite the loss, though, ATU (25-1, 12-1) will still be seeded first out of the West Division in the GSC tournament at Southaven, Miss. next week. Delta State (18-7, 9-4) will be the No. 2 seed in the GSC West, despite losing 100-88 at Harding (15-11, 7-6) Thursday night. The Bisons are doing battle with Christian Brothers (17-9, 7-6) for the fourth and final GSC tourney berth from the West. CBU travels to ATU, while Harding pays a visit to Ouachita Baptist Saturday.

In the East, Alabama-Huntsville (20-5, 8-1) extended its winning streak to six straight games, by snapping the 15-game winning streak of No. 8 (NABC) Valdosta State (23-3, 8-1) in a 89-71 rout last weekend. UAH can win the GSC East crown with a win at home over West Alabama (13-13, 3-6), combined with VSU loss to West Georgia (13-13, 3-6). Both UWA and UWG are battling North Alabama (12-14, 4-6) for the East's final two spots in next week's GSC tournament.

Peach Belt Conference: Augusta State (24-2, 16-1) has clinched the regular season title, as well as the top seed in the East Division for next week's PBC tournament. On the other hand, Georgia College & State University (21-4, 14-2) has won the West Division, and will host a quarterfinal round PBC tourney game next Wednesday. How will the rest of the postseason puzzle in the "Belt" be put together? That question can be answered by clicking here. Also see Part 1 of this post here.

SIAC: Clark-Atlanta (22-5, 19-5) is the regular season champion, as the Panthers head into the SIAC tournament next week. Tuskegee (17-9, 16-7) can lock up second place with a win over Stillman on the road Saturday night.

D2SS: The Weekend (Part 1)

2010-02-26T21:01:00.000-05:00

The final day of the basketball regular season is just around the corner, and there's so much stuff to talk about, yet so little time. Here goes.

Gulf South Conference: On the women's side, it's a two-way race between No. 7 (WBCA) Arkansas Tech (24-2) and No. 9 Delta State (22-2) for the West Division title, as both teams are 11-2 in conference play heading into the final regular season contest Saturday. Harding (15-11, 7-6) clinched at least a tie for the No. 3 seed despite losing 79-65 to the Lady Statesmen Thursday. That leaves Christian Brothers (15-10, 6-7), Henderson State (15-13, 6-7), and Ouachita Baptist (13-13, 5-8) to fight for the fourth and final postseason berth from the GSC West.

In the GSC East, Valdosta State (17-7, 9-0) has already clinched the No. 1 seed, while North Alabama (16-13, 8-2) has finished conference play, and will be the No. 2 seed. West Alabama (8-18, 4-5) can clinch the No. 3 seed outright with a win at home over Alabama-Huntsville this weekend, while West Florida (14-13, 4-6) is assured of no worse than the No. 4 seed in next week's GSC tournament.

Peach Belt Conference: The race for the eight berths, as well as seeding, in next week's PBC tourney has come down to one final day. Click here for all possible scenarios involving Saturday's action.

SIAC: Fort Valley State (26-1, 21-1) has clinched the regular season title, and will be favored to win the SIAC tournament starting Tuesday in Atlanta.

Montevallo-GCSU square off in PBC rematch

2010-02-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Montevallo (20-5, 10-5) at Georgia College & State University (20-4, 13-2)--(Men)Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST

The regular season in basketball is drawing closer to its conclusion, and while Augusta State (24-2, 16-1) has already wrapped up the regular season title in the Peach Belt Conference, the game between the Falcons and Bobcats in Milledgeville, Georgia is important for another reason. While GC&SU has clinched the No. 1 seed from the West Division with two games to play, UM finds itself in a must-win situation in order to claim not only the No. 2 seed from the West, but more importantly, clinch a first-round home game in the PBC tournament that starts next week. Should be a fun game to watch. Click here for video of the Montevallo-GC&SU contest.

D2SS: The Weekend (Part 2)

2010-02-19T23:00:00.002-05:00

First, it was the ladies. Now the men. Here's a breakdown of the men's basketball conference races in this installment of "D2SS: The Weekend".

Gulf South Conference: Both nationally-ranked division leaders continued to roll towards undefeated regular seasons on their respective sides this week. In West Division action, No. 1 (NABC) Arkansas Tech (24-0, 11-0) stayed unbeaten after getting by Ouachita Baptist 71-61 at home Thursday night. In the GSC East, No. 4 Valdosta State (23-2, 8-0) won its 14th straight game after outlasting West Alabama 85-75. But both teams face serious road tests Saturday, as ATU visits Delta State (18-5, 9-2), while VSU goes to Alabama-Huntsville (17-5, 5-1).

Peach Belt Conference: No. 5 (NABC) Augusta State (23-2, 15-1) moved one step closer to a PBC regular season title with a 85-62 rout of Flagler on the road Wednesday night. Meanwhile, the battle for second place in the East Division got tighter, as Francis Marion (18-6, 10-5) got by Lander 55-51, while USC Aiken (15-8, 10-6) rolled past UNC Pembroke 86-71.

In the West, Georgia College & State University (19-4, 12-2) snapped a two-game skid on the road Wednesday. But the Bobcats needed to hold off a last-ditch from a scrappy Georgia Southwestern State team to escape with a 61-60 win. Meanwhile, Montevallo (19-5, 9-5) blew an early 15-point second half lead, and lost at North Georgia (13-10, 8-5) 76-73. With the regular season sweep of the Falcons, the Saints could very well earn the right to host a first-round PBC tournament game if they win out, as they hold the tiebreaker over UM.

SIAC: Clark-Atlanta (19-4, 16-4) has the upper hand in the regular season race. But there is a tight race for second place and lower brewing as tournament time draws closer. Tuskegee (15-9, 14-7) stands alone in the No. 2 spot, while three teams have eight losses, and two other squads have nine.

The big games

Note: All times local to home team

Lane (14-8, 12-8) at Stillman (13-9, 11-9)--Saturday 2 p.m. CST

Claflin (14-9, 14-8) at Albany State (13-12, 13-9)--Saturday 3 p.m. EST

Augusta State (23-2, 15-1) at Francis Marion (18-6, 10-5)--Saturday 3:30 p.m. EST

Clayton State (14-10, 7-7) at Montevallo (19-5, 9-5)--Saturday 3:30 p.m. CST

Arkansas Tech (24-0, 11-0) at Delta State (18-5, 9-2)--Saturday 6 p.m. CST

Valdosta State (23-2, 8-0) at Alabama-Huntsville (17-5, 5-1)--Saturday 7 p.m. CST

D2SS: The Weekend (Part 1)

2010-02-19T14:33:00.003-05:00

More than a week remains in the regular season for basketball teams in D-II South Nation. Here's how the races for conference tournament seeding and berths stack up heading into the next to last weekend of February.

Gulf South Conference: Four teams--two in the East Division, two in the West Division--have already clinched spots in this year's GSC tournament. Valdosta State (16-7, 8-0 GSC) wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the GSC East with a 74-39 rout of West Alabama (7-18, 3-5) on the road Thursday night. North Alabama (15-12, 7-2) is assured of finishing no worse than second place in the division, as the Lady Blazers swept the regular season against the Lady Lions.

In the West, No. 5 (NABC) Delta State (20-2, 9-2) and No. 12 Arkansas Tech (23-1, 10-1) are running neck and neck for the top spot on the side of the GSC. Both teams square off in the highly anticipated re-match at DSU Saturday night. The Golden Suns defeated the Lady Statesmen 56-47 at ATU last month (01/23/2010). The DSU women's only other loss came at Henderson State 68-55 one week later. Meanwhile, it's a tight race for the three remaining GSC tourney berths in the West, as Harding (13-10, 6-5), Christian Brothers (14-9, 5-6), and Henderson State (14-12, 5-6) all find themselves separated by at least one game heading into this weekend's action.

Peach Belt Conference: A "wacky" Wednesday full of surprises was the key word for women's hoops action in the PBC at mid-week, as multiple teams pulled off stunning upsets.

Francis Marion (21-3, 13-2) snapped Lander's 14-game winning streak with an 82-71 win over the Lady Bearcats. That victory avenged a 91-86 loss at LU on Jan. 6. Despite the loss, though, Lander (21-2, 14-1) still has a one-game lead over the Patriots in the PBC East Division with three conference games remaining for both squads.

On the other hand, the West Division appears to be a huge mess, as both of the top two teams fell victim to the upset bug Wednesday. No. 15 (WBCA) Clayton State (19-5, 10-4) lost at home to Columbus State (15-9, 9-5) 67-61 in overtime, while Georgia College & State University (17-7, 10-4) fell at Georgia Southwestern 73-61. Both Clayton State and GC&SU remain tied for first place in the PBC West, while CSU stands one game behind both aforementioned squads.

SIAC: With just two conference games remaining, No. 10 (WBCA) Fort Valley State (24-1, 19-1) appears to have the No. 1 seed for the upcoming SIAC tournament in Atlanta all but wrapped up. The Wildcats closest pursuers are Kentucky State (15-7, 15-3) and Benedict (18-8, 15-6)

The big game

Arkansas Tech (23-1, 10-1) at Delta State (20-2, 9-2)--Saturday 4 p.m. CST

As mentioned above, the Lady Statesmen play host to the Golden Suns in a highly anticipated re-match at Walter Sillers Coliseum. ATU will look to get a sweep of the regular season series, while DSU will look for payback.

Games of note for Thursday

2010-02-18T17:10:00.000-05:00

Note: All times local to home team

Women

Benedict (18-7, 15-5) at Fort Valley State (23-1, 18-1)--(SIAC)--6 p.m. EST

Harding (12-10, 5-5) at Christian Brothers (14-8, 5-5)--(Gulf South Conference)--5 p.m. CST

Henderson State (13-12, 4-6) at Arkansas-Monticello (10-12, 4-6)--(Gulf South Conference)--5:30 p.m. CST

West Florida (13-11, 4-5) at North Alabama (14-12, 6-2)--(Gulf South Conference)--6 p.m. CST

Men

Harding (11-11, 4-6) at Christian Brothers (15-8, 5-5)--(Gulf South Conference)--(7:30 p.m. CST)

Lane (14-7, 12-7) at Tuskegee (14-9, 13-7)--(SIAC)--(6:30 p.m. CST)

Benedict-Albany State square off in SIAC showdown

2010-02-16T15:38:00.000-05:00

Benedict vs. Albany State (SIAC Men)--Tuesday 7:30 p.m. EST

Regular season action is winding down in the SIAC, and a battle for positioning in the upcoming SIAC tournament is not far behind, as the Albany State University Golden Rams (11-12, 11-9 SIAC) play host to a Benedict College Tigers (14-9, 13-7) squad that's currently tied with the Tuskegee Tigers (14-9, 13-7) for second place in the league standings. ASU knocked off Benedict on the road in the last meeting between the two teams last month (01/14/2010).

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-02-12T14:45:00.000-05:00

As this latest post is being typed, much of D-II South Nation (which is the Southeastern United States, for the most part) is dealing with wintry weather. This has forced the postponement or cancellation of multiple sporting events for this weekend. That includes two key basketball doubleheaders in the Gulf South Conference, as the West Georgia-West Florida games were moved to Sunday, while the Southern Arkansas-Harding games will be played on Monday.

Rain and snow mix aside, though, here's what happened this week, and what's on tap for this weekend.

VSU sweeps UWF: The Blazers and Lady Blazers of Valdosta State University moved one step closer to clinching the GSC East title with a doubleheader sweep of the University of West Florida on the road Wednesday night.

In the women's game, the VSU women (14-7, 7-0) won their 10th straight game, as they downed UWF, 67-49, behind 14 points from Amanda Haven, as well as 11 rebounds by Sierra Nixon. In the nightcap, the No. 5 (NABC) VSU men (22-2, 7-0) extended their win streak to 14 straight games, as the Blazers held off the Argonauts, 83-73. Senior forward Tyrone Curnell finished with a game-high 30 points to lead the Blazers to victory.

How "sweep" it is! The East got the upper hand over the West in a pair of battles between the division leaders in the Peach Belt Conference Thursday night.

In a battle of the women's division leaders, No. 8 (WBCA) Lander (21-1, 14-0) held off No. 15 Clayton State (19-4, 9-3) behind 19 points and 10 rebounds from Shannon McKever, and 16 points, five steals, and four assists from Brittni Johnson. With the win, the Lady Bearcats have won 14 straight games, all in PBC action. As for the Laker women, they fell into a first place tie with Georgia College & State University (16-6, 9-3) with the loss. The Lady Bobcats, however, needed overtime to outlast Augusta State, 56-52.

The showdown between the men's division leaders turned into a blowout Thursday night, as Augusta State (21-2, 13-1) never trailed in a 84-67 triumph over GC&SU (18-3, 11-1). Ben Madgen scored a season-high 28 points in leading the Jaguars to victory. With the loss, the Bobcats not only saw their 12-game win streak come screeching to a stop, they also saw their quest for an unbeaten season in PBC play come to an end as well, as they suffered their first conference loss of the season.

The big games

Montevallo (19-3, 9-3) at Augusta State (21-2, 13-1)--(Men)--Saturday 12 noon EST

Less than 48 hours after a relatively easy win over GC&SU, the Jaguars must re-focus quickly, and face a Falcons team that's been a big surprise in their inaugural season in the PBC. Remember to tune in on CBS College Sports for all of the action. If CBS College Sports isn't available in your area, please contact your cable or satellite provider.

Showdown of PBC divisional leaders

2010-02-11T16:00:00.000-05:00

It's another night of big basketball games in D-II South Nation, as a critical battle of first place teams in the Peach Belt Conference ensues in Augusta, Georgia Thursday night.

GC&SU (18-2, 11-0) at Augusta State (20-2, 11-1)--(Men)--Thursday 7:30 p.m. EST

In a possible preview of the PBC tournament title game, the Jaguars play host to the Bobcats in a battle of division leaders.

Augusta State enters this contest ranked No. 7 in the latest NABC poll, while GC&SU moved up seven spots from No. 21 to No. 14 in the same rankings. In this week's Southeast Regional poll, both the Jaguars and Bobcats are ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

One thing is for sure, the winner of this game will either remain at No. 1 in the regional rankings, or possibly move up to the top spot with a win.

Other games of interest for Thursday (All times local to host team)

No. 5 (WBCA) Arkansas Tech (20-1, 7-1) at Henderson State (13-10, 4-4)--(Gulf South Conference Women)--(6 p.m. CST)

Montevallo (18-3, 8-3) at USC Aiken (13-7, 8-5)--(Peach Belt Conference Men)--(7:30 p.m. EST)

Lane (8-12, 8-8) at Miles (12-10, 9-8)--(SIAC Women)--(5:30 p.m. CST)

Tuskegee (12-8, 11-6) at (13-8, 12-6)--(SIAC Men)--(7:30 p.m. EST)

Arkansas-Monticello (10-8, 5-3) at Delta State (16-4, 7-1)--(GSC Men)--8 p.m. CST)

Key hoops contests for Wednesday

2010-02-10T15:02:00.000-05:00

Note: All times local to home team

Women

Gulf South Conference

Valdosta State (13-7, 6-0) at West Florida (13-9, 4-3)--5 p.m. CST

The GSC East leading Lady Blazers can clinch no worse than a tie for the division title with a win over the Lady Argonauts.

Peach Belt Conference

Francis Marion (19-2, 11-1) at North Georgia (9-11, 4-7)--5:30 p.m. EST

On the surface, this contest may appear to be a mis-match. But it's actually an important game for the Patriot women and the Lady Saints. FMU must win to keep pace with Peach Belt Conference East Division leader Lander (20-1, 13-0), while North Georgia needs a win in order to gain a one-game lead in the win column over respective West Division rivals Georgia Southwestern (9-11) and Montevallo (11-10). Both GSW and UM have the night off.

Men

Francis Marion (16-5, 8-4) at North Georgia (12-9, 7-4)--7:30 p.m. EST

There's a lot at stake in the nightcap of this PBC twill bill too, as both the Patriots and Saints look to get back on track after losing some tough games within the last two weeks. FMU has lost three of its last four games after starting the season at 15-2, while North Georgia has lost three straight games.

Critical hoops contests in the SIAC

2010-02-09T16:16:00.000-05:00

Women

Miles (12-9, 9-7) at Benedict (15-6, 12-4)--Tuesday 5:30 p.m. EST

Why this game is big: The Lady Tigers from Columbia, S.C. can all but lock up the No. 3 seed for next month's SIAC tournament with a win over the Golden Bears.

Men

Tuskegee (12-7, 11-5) at Claflin (13-8, 13-7)--Tuesday 7:30 p.m. EST

Why this game is big: The Panthers play to the Tigers from Alabama, with the winner taking over sole possession of second place in the SIAC. Should they win, the Claflin men go into the No. 2 spot in the conference standings by mere percentage points.

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-02-05T22:18:00.000-05:00

The first weekend of February brings quite a few critical games on the hardwood...in D-II South Nation. But first, here's a quick look at this week's regional rankings. The full women's rankings are here, while the men's charts can be found here.

Women

Clayton State (17-3) at Georgia College & State University (15-5)--Saturday 1:30 p.m. EST

Both teams come into this key Peach Belt Conference match-up tied for first place in the West Division. The Laker women, though, have their sights set on payback, as the Lady Bobcats pulled off the upset win at Clayton State last month.

Men

A triple play of key games listed below. All are played on Saturday.

Clark Atlanta (17-2, 14-2) at Benedict (11-8, 10-6)--3 p.m. EST: The first-place Panthers hope to build on their sizable lead in the SIAC standings against the Tigers at Columbia, S.C.

Columbus State (10-9, 4-6) at North Georgia (12-8, 7-3)--3:30 p.m. EST: The Saints (no, not the ones from New Orleans) will try to bounce back after losing a toughie at GC&SU, 88-84, Wednesday night.

North Alabama (10-11, 2-4) at West Georgia (10-10, 2-3)--7:30 p.m. EST: Both teams must win to stay in the hunt for a Gulf South Conference tournament berth.

Another hoops rivalry for Thursday...

2010-02-04T16:02:00.000-05:00

and this one will take place in Valdosta, Georgia...and the Gulf South Conference. That's where both basketball teams at Valdosta State University will go for a rare sweep of their East Division rivals from the University of North Alabama.

In the women's game, Valdosta State (12-7, 5-0) hopes to extend its season-high winning streak to nine games with a win over UNA (12-11, 4-1). The Lady Lions split of non-conference games last weekend, losing to Lambuth (Tenn.) 82-71 on January 28, only to bounce back with a 74-51 rout of Talledega (Ala.) two nights later.

The men's contest also features a streaking team in VSU (19-2, 5-0), as the Blazers have won 11 straight games en route to the No. 5 ranking in the latest NABC poll. North Alabama (10-10, 2-3) has had an up-and-down season thus far, as the Lions hope to bounce back after a 82-76 loss at Lambuth last week.

ASU-USCA: The Re-match

2010-02-03T16:17:00.000-05:00

It's the "re-match" that basketball fans at Augusta State University, and the University of South Carolina-Aiken have been waiting for, at least in the 9-10 days since the last match-up between these fierce Peach Belt Conference rivals in men's basketball.

Despite going 2-1 last week, the Augusta State men (17-2, 9-1 PBC) still found dropping in the polls, as the Jaguars fell from No. 8 to No. 12 in the latest NABC D-II rankings. On the other hand, USC Aiken (12-6, 7-4) unexpectedly got the weekend off when D-II transitional King (Tenn.) postponed its game against the Pacers due to the winter storm that traveled through the Bristol, Tenn. area last Saturday. No make-up date for that contest has been set, although there's another game between both teams scheduled for Feb. 27 at King.

As for the last meeting between ASU and USCA, fans of both programs know very well what happened the last time they met. What started off as a joyous post-game celebration quickly turned into chaos, as a brief fight followed the Pacers 71-68 upset over the then No. 6 (NABC) Jaguars on Jan. 25. In fact, Augusta State president Bill Bloodworth warned that anyone behaved disruptively during Wednesday's game would be ejected.

Tip-off is Wednesday at or after 7:30 p.m. EST, depending upon the length of the women's game.

D2SS: The Weekend (Part 2)

2010-01-30T17:09:00.001-05:00

Postponements, splits, and Sunday matinees are the order of the day in this special installment of D2SS: The Weekend. So, let's get started.

Arkansas Tech, USC Aiken hoops games postponed: The massive winter storm that has worked its way into the Mid-South and Southeast has forced the rescheduling of two basketball games involving Arkansas Tech.

It's bad enough that Thursday's home games against Arkansas-Monticello were postponed until next Saturday (February 6). But a key Gulf South Conference West Division twin bill between the Golden Suns/Wonder Boys and Christian Brothers was also called off until this Monday (February 1).

The Peach Belt Conference wasn't immune from the winter storm, either. Saturday's game between USC Aiken and NAIA opponent King (Tenn.) was ground to a halt as well. Wintry conditions in the Bristol, Tennessee area, where the King campus is located, led to the postponment of that non-conference contest. No make-up date has been announced.

PBC splits: Four Peach Belt teams split a pair of doubleheaders Friday night.

Francis Marion (16-2, 8-1 PBC) rode on the shoulders of Shana Franks and Eboni Fields for its sixth straight win, as the Patriot women snapped the six-game winning streak of Georgia College & State University (13-5, 6-2) in a 92-77 triumph on the road. Franks scored a season-high 24 points, while Fields added 21 points in victory. Senior Shannon Singleton-Bates also chipped in 16 points in the 15-point win over GC&SU. That puts her within 14 points of scoring 1,000 for her career.

In the nightcap, the GC&SU men (15-2, 8-0) made it nine straight wins, as the No. 25 (NABC) Bobcats outlasted Francis Marion 71-61 at home. Graham Martin scored 24 points to lead GC&SU to the win, and keep the Bobcats in sole possession of first place in the West Division.

In Alabama, Montevallo split a PBC doubleheader against UNC Pembroke at home Friday. In the men's game, the No. 24 (NABC) Falcons broke open a close game in the second half to beat the Braves, 75-57, while the Lady Braves rallied late to down the Lady Falcons 63-59 in the women's contest.

PBC Sunday Matinees: With just the Pro Bowl (and no Super Bowl) Sunday night, there will be two key doubleheaders in the PBC on Sunday afternoon.

In Milledgeville, Georgia, GC&SU plays host to UNC Pembroke in yet another inter-divisional clash. The Bobcats hope to stay unbeaten in conference play, while the Lady Braves hope to jump over .500 in league games.

The game of the day, though, might take place at Montevallo, as the Falcons (16-2, 6-2) entertain a Francis Marion team (15-3, 7-2) that will try to bounce back after losing at GC&SU Friday.

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-01-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

Conference races (and regional rankings) are starting to heat up on the hardwood, baseball and softball teams are ready to hit the diamonds all over D-II South Nation, and another hoops team is playing a rare regular season game against a major NCAA Division I opponent. All of this and more in this edition of D2SS: The Weekend.

Regional rankings: D-II South Nation is well represented in the women's, as well as the men's rankings this week. On the women's side, the Peach Belt Conference led the way in the Southeast with five teams ranked (No. 1 Lander, No. 3 Clayton State, No. 5 Francis Marion, No. 6 Georgia College & State University, and No. 9 Columbus State). In the South, the No. 7 (WBCA) Arkansas Tech Golden Suns were tops in that region, followed by Delta State at No. 2, current SIAC leader Fort Valley State at No. 3, Valdosta State at No. 6, Benedict at No. 7, and Christian Brothers at No. 8.

As for the men, the nation's No. 1 team is also the top team in the South Region, as Arkansas Tech was still undefeated going into this weekend's action. But Clark-Atlanta, whose Panthers have been the surprise team in the SIAC all season long, managed to make a splash at No. 2. Valdosta State is at No. 3, followed by Delta State at No. 5, Tuskegee at No. 7, defending regional champion Christian Brothers at No. 9, and Alabama-Huntsville at No. 10.

In the Southeast Region, Augusta State--as expected--topped the rankings there. The Jaguars are one of three PBC teams ranked in the top three, as Francis Marion came in at No. 2, followed by GC&SU at No. 3. North Georgia is No. 7 in this week's rankings, followed by Montevallo at No. 8.

Baseball, softball seasons get underway: It might be hard to believe, but the spring sports are gearing up for what hopefully will be another banner year. On the baseball diamond, Southern Arkansas is the preseason favorite to win the Gulf South Conference, while USC Aiken is the team to beat in the Peach Belt Conference.

Both conferences also have solid representation in the preseason D-II Collegiate Baseball poll, as the Muleriders are the ranked GSC team at No. 4, while the Pacers are the highest ranked PBC squad at No. 6. Other teams from D-II South Nation in the preseason rankings are as follows: Francis Marion (No. 12), West Alabama (No. 19), Delta State (No. 23), North Georgia (No. 24), Valdosta State (No. 26), GC&SU (No. 27), and UNC Pembroke (tie-No. 40).

In softball, Alabama-Huntsville begins the season as the nation's No. 1 NCAA Division II team, while fellow Gulf South Conference rival Valdosta State starts off at No. 6. That's according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Associaton. North Georgia is the highest ranked PBC team at No. 2, while USC Aiken starts the 2010 season at No. 13.

Finally, before we get to the biggest games in basketball this weekend, the SIAC's Kentucky State Thorobreds play a rare, yes-rare, regular season, non-conference game against a major NCAA Division I opponent. The Thorobreds travel to Atlanta Saturday to face Georgia Tech out of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. EST.

The big games

Francis Marion (15-2, 7-1) at Georgia College & State University (13-4, 6-1)--(Women)--Friday 5:30 p.m. EST

Francis Marion (15-2, 7-1) at GC&SU (14-2, 7-0)--(Men)--Friday 7:30 p.m. EST

East meets West in this huge Peach Belt Conference twin bill from Milledgeville (Georgia, that is). Both GC&SU squads will try to maintain sole possession of first place in the PBC West Division, while both FMU teams look to keep themselves in second place in the East. Both games should be fun to watch.

Only one hoops twin bill in D-II South Nation Wednesday night...

2010-01-27T15:06:00.001-05:00

and it takes place just south of Atlanta in the suburb of Morrow, Georgia, as Clayton State plays host to Armstrong Atlantic State in a critical inter-divisional Peach Belt Conference match-up.

In the women's game, Clayton State (14-3, 5-2 PBC) hopes to keep pace with idle West Division leader Georgia College & State University (13-4, 6-1), whose Lady Bobcats remained in first place after defeating Flagler 65-47 on Monday night. As for Armstrong Atlantic (6-10, 3-5), the Lady Pirates need a win to pull into a tie with UNC Pembroke (10-8, 4-5) for fourth place in the East Divsion. UNCP, though, already has the tiebreaker on its side after downing the AASU women 63-48 at home last weekend.

On the men's side, Clayton State (9-8, 2-5) looks to gain ground on West Division fourth place Columbus State (9-7, 3-4), as the Lakers can move to within a half-game of the Cougars with a win. On the other hand, the AASU men (5-12, 0-8) have lost eight straight games, as the Pirates hope to notch their first PBC win of the season.

Wednesday night's doubleheader tips off at 5:30 p.m. EST, followed by the men's game at approximately 7:30 p.m. EST. Live stats for both games are available by clicking here.

An "ugly" upset

2010-01-26T21:31:00.000-05:00

USC Aiken (12-6, 7-4) pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season at home Monday, as they knocked off No. 6 (NABC) Augusta State (15-2, 7-1) 71-68, in Peach Belt Conference men's basketball action. But what followed afterwards was a very ugly scene, as witnessed in the Augusta Chronicle here.

You can read a summary about USC Aiken's upset win by clicking here.

Jags, Pacers square off in PBC East hoops clash

2010-01-25T11:28:00.000-05:00

Almost a year after they downed their archrivals in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional final, No. 6 (NABC) Augusta State (15-1, 7-0) takes on USC Aiken (11-6, 6-4) in the first of two regular season meetings tonight (Monday) at 7:30 p.m. EST, at Aiken, South Carolina. Should be a good match-up.

Game Notes

Augusta State

USC Aiken

Showdown Saturday Round-up

2010-01-24T00:27:00.000-05:00

The big basketball showdowns have come and gone. Now it's time to find out who came out on top.

Arkansas Tech sweeps Delta State

No. 9 (WBCA) Golden Suns, No. 1 (NABC) Wonder Boys knock off GSC West rivals in front of a record crowd at Tucker Coliseum.

Arkansas Tech 56, Delta State 47 (Women--Boxscore)

Arkansas Tech 88, Delta State 77 (Men--Boxscore)

GC&SU sweeps Montevallo

Bobcats rally in the second half to upset the No. 18 (NABC) Falcons, while the Lady Bobcats outlast the Lady Falcons by two possessions.

GC&SU 63, Montevallo 59 (Women)

GC&SU 61, Montevallo 52 (Men)

Valdosta State men win again

The No. 8 (NABC) Blazers continued to roll Saturday night, as they won their 10th straight game over Alabama-Huntsville to take over sole possesssion of first place in the Gulf South Conference East Division.

Valdosta State 85, Alabama-Huntsville 76

D2SS: The Weekend (Showdown Saturday)

2010-01-22T21:21:00.000-05:00

In this, the next-to-last weekend of January, there are some big basketball games abound in D-II South Nation. Let's get started.

We start with the "Rumble in Russellville" on Saturday night, as both Arkansas Tech teams hope to stay undefeated against Gulf South Conference West Division archrival Delta State.

Going with the ladies first, both the No. 2 (WBCA) Lady Statesmen and No. 9 Golden Suns struggled to stay unbeaten, as Delta State (15-0, 4-0 GSC West) broke open a three-possession game down the stretch to defeat Southern Arkansas, 70-53, while ATU (17-0, 4-0) held off Ouachita Baptist, 78-74, on Thursday night.

Going into weekend action, not only are DSU and ATU the only unbeaten teams in GSC West play, they're also the only teams to have won at least 15 games overall, believe it or not. In fact, the next closest teams in the division standings after the Lady Statesmen and Golden Suns, respectively, are Christian Brothers (11-5) and Henderson State (11-8). Both of those squads improved to 2-2 in the GSC West after pulling out close wins at home Thursday night.

Turning to the men's contest, Arkansas Tech (17-0, 4-0) struggled in their first-ever game as the nation's top-ranked team, according to the NABC coaches poll. The Wonder Boys got by Ouachita Baptist, 74-65, to stay unbeaten. OBU (4-13, 0-4) trailed by just three points at halftime. Despite the hard-fought win, ATU head coach Mark Downey says he's hoping for a better effort against Delta State (13-3, 4-0) Saturday night.

Speaking of the Statesmen, they stayed undefeated in the GSC West as well, but not without overcoming a slow start of their own against Southern Arkansas (7-10, 2-2) at home Thursday. In fact, DSU once trailed 18-13 with a little more than nine minutes to play in the first half, only to outscore the Muleriders 21-10 in the closing seconds of that period. Still, the DSU men managed to shoot 56 percent in the second half to win, 83-59.

One thing is for sure, though, it's too bad that only one--or in this case--two teams, will come out on top at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville, Arkansas once the final buzzer sounds in both games. It's sure to be a barnburner in both.

Webcast links for DSU-ATU

Arkansas Tech

The women's game tips at 4 p.m. CST, followed by the men at 6 p.m. CST Saturday night.

More big games

Believe it or not, the Arkansas Tech-Delta State doubleheader aren't the only big hoops contests on tap for Saturday. In fact, there are several more games involving unbeaten teams in conference play where the winner will claim sole possession of first place by game's end. Here they are, listed below.

Georgia College & State University at Montevallo--Saturday 1:30 p.m. CST (Women), 3:30 p.m. CST (Men)

This doubleheader figures to shape the race in the Peach Belt Conference West Division. Both GC&SU squads find themselves in sitting in first place going into this critical twin bill, as the Lady Bobcats (11-4) are 4-1 in PBC action, while the Bobcats (12-2) are unbeaten in conference play at 5-0. On the other hand, the Lady Falcons (10-6) are in a three-way tie with Columbus State (9-7) and Georgia Southwestern (8-8) for third place in the PBC West at 3-3. The Lady Cougars and Lady Hurricanes play each other at GSW Saturday afternoon.

On the men's side, Montevallo (15-1, 5-1) hope to move into no worse than a tie for first place in the PBC West with a win over GC&SU this weekend. That's because the Falcons only loss so far came against North Georgia (10-6, 5-1) earlier this season. The Saints travel to Clayton State (9-7, 2-4) for another crucial contest Saturday night.

Alabama-Huntsville (14-4, 3-0) at Valdosta State (17-2, 3-0)--(Men)--Saturday 8 p.m. EST

The No. 8 (NABC) Blazers tuned up for this showdown of undefeated Gulf South Conference East Division teams by scorching West Alabama at home, 92-55, on Thursday night. They'll look to win their 10th straight game against the Chargers, who extended their win streak to seven straight games after outlasting West Georgia on the road, 74-56.

The big games on the hardwood for Wednesday...

2010-01-20T16:09:00.000-05:00

include a pair critical games involving a former Gulf South turned Peach Belt Conference member...in south metro Atlanta, as well as must-win games involving their former GSC East rivals, especially on the men's side. Oh, and the women's teams at both schools are tied for second place going into all of the mid-week action.

In case you missed it...

2010-01-17T22:10:00.000-05:00

Here are two separate recaps of one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Division II men's basketball in recent years, as the No. 11 Blazers from Valdosta State University pulled off the upset over No. 1 and previously undefeated Jaguars of Augusta State University, 81-75, on Saturday.

Valdosta Daily Times

Augusta Chronicle

D2SS: The Weekend

2010-01-16T00:02:00.000-05:00

A big game among two Top 25 basketball teams is set to take place Saturday in Georgia. But first...

"Firsts" for Montevallo: The University of Montevallo hoops squads had a pair of "firsts" on Wednesday. But both happened with ironic twists. While the women's basketball team picked up their first-ever Peach Belt Conference win with a 70-59 victory over North Georgia, the 13th ranked (NABC) men weren't as fortunate, as the Saints handed the Falcons their first-ever PBC loss in pulling off the hard-fought 68-67 upset.

North Georgia (7-6, 2-1 PBC) led 43-30 at halftime, only to hold off a furious rally by UM (12-1, 2-1) in the second half for the win. Both UM teams make the long trip to St. Augustine, Florida for yet another "first" this weekend, as they face the Saints and Lady Saints of Flagler College in the first-ever PBC meetings between the two schools in basketball. The Flagler women are 6-6 overall, and 1-2 in PBC action, while the men come in at 6-5 overall, and 2-1 in conference play.

The big game...

Continuing the theme of "firsts", the Valdosta State University men's basketball team plays host to a No. 1 ranked team for the first time ever, as the No. 11 (NABC) Blazers (15-2) take on the unbeaten Augusta State University Jaguars in a 4 p.m. EST tip-off on Saturday afternoon. VSU tuned up for this showdown of nationally ranked teams by routing West Florida 88-61 at home on Wednesday night, while the Jaguars held off Armstrong Atlantic State for a 62-55 win on the road.

In another notable game...

Christian Brothers (11-4, 1-1) at Delta State (11-3, 2-0)--Saturday 6 p.m. CST: The Statesmen try to stay unbeaten against the Buccaneers in a critical Gulf South Conference West Division men's clash.