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
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
State of the Conferences--Part 3
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.
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.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The State of the Conferences--Part 2
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.
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.
Friday, November 12, 2010
The State of the Conferences--Part 1--The Gulf South Conference
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/.
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/.
Monday, August 23, 2010
D2SS on Hiatus
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.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Valdosta State softball falls short in title bid
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.
Friday, May 28, 2010
GC&SU baseball season ends in heartbreak
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)
Game summaries (courtesy of GCSUBobcats.com)
GC&SU 3, Southern Indiana 0 (Thursday)
Southern Indiana 3, GC&SU 2 (Friday)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bobcats keep season going, eliminate Tampa
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
Click here for the details, courtesy of GCSUBobcats.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Baseball World Series/Softball Super Regional Update
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
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
Saturday, May 22, 2010
GC&SU Baseball ready for D-II World Series
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.
Click here for the D-II World Series interactive bracket.
Click here to listen to live play-by-play of the Bobcats.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Softball Super Regional Previews
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
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
Monday, May 17, 2010
North Georgia softball advance to Super-Regionals
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!!!
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
D-II Regionals: Stats, Streams, and More
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.)
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.)
Monday, May 10, 2010
NCAA Tournament Selections Announced
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.)
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.)
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Underdogs rule at PBC Baseball Tourney
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
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
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Baseball/Softball Postseason Update
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.
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.
Friday, April 30, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend
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.
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.
Friday, April 23, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend
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
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
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
In case you missed it...
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.
Friday, April 16, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend
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.
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.
Friday, April 09, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend
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.
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.
Friday, April 02, 2010
By the time you read this...
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.
The full PBC standings can be found here.
Oh, and by the way, Happy Easter from D-II South Sports.
Friday, March 26, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend (Part 2)
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Hoops season over for Augusta State, Valdosta State
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)
Click the link (s) below for more details.
Indiana (Pa.) 80, VSU 64 (vstateblazers.com)
Bentley 67, Augusta State 64 (Augusta State University)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sun "sets" on Golden Suns season
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.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Elite Eight Previews
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)
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)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Augusta State, Valdosta State advance to Elite Eight
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)
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)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
NCAA Division II Hoops Regional Update
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)
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)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Shocker at D-II South Regional: VSU upsets No. 1 ATU
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.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Bracket Update
Friday, March 12, 2010
NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Breakdowns--South Men
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.
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Breakdowns--South Women
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.
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.
Monday, March 08, 2010
NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament Breakdowns--Southeast Women
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.
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
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Conference Hoops Championship Results
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
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
Saturday, March 06, 2010
GSC Tournament Finals set
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
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
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
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
Friday, March 05, 2010
Conference Hoops Tournament Update--Gulf South Conference Men's Quarterfinals
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
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.
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.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Conference Hoops Tournament Update
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.
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.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Conference tournaments brackets set
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
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
SIAC--at Atlanta (March 2-6)
Friday, February 26, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend (Part 2)
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.
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)
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Montevallo-GCSU square off in PBC rematch
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.
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.
Friday, February 19, 2010
D2SS: The Weekend (Part 2)
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
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)
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.
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Games of note for Thursday
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)
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)
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