SOUTH DAKOTA UPSETS DELTA STATE

The dream of a national championship for Delta State is over.

The Lady Statesmen also saw their hopes of a perfect season disappear too, as the University of South Dakota Coyotes handed the DSU women their first loss in a 68-58 upset loss in the national semifinal round of the NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight at Kearney, Neb. Thursday night.

Delta State finished the 2007-08 season with a 33-1 record. South Dakota will face Northern Kentucky for the D-II women's title Saturday night. (6 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. CDT, ESPN2).

Article courtesy of Delta State University Sports Information

ELITE EIGHT UPDATE

The Augusta State University men's basketball team has reached its first-ever NCAA Division II title game.

The Jaguars edged Central Oklahoma in a 106-104 double-overtime thriller Wednesday, then downed Alaska-Anchorage 56-50 Thursday, to advance to the championship game.

ASU will face Winona State (Minn.) for the title Saturday. The game will be televised live on CBS, starting at 2:30 p.m. EDT.

As for the University of North Alabama, the Lions quest to win their first national championship since 1991 ended in the national quarterfinals, as they lost to Bentley (Mass.) 102-92 Wednesday.

Click here for the results of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, courtesy of d2basketball.com.

REGIONALS REVIEW/ELITE EIGHT PREVIEW

Hello, it's been a while! Let's quickly review what happened at the NCAA Division II basketball regional tournaments!

SOUTH REGION

Women: It was all Delta State (32-0), as the nation's top-ranked Lady Statesmen defeated Kentucky State, West Georgia, and Valdosta State to advance to their first Elite Eight in eight years.

Men: Fourth-seeded North Alabama (27-8) danced its way to its eighth Elite Eight in school history thanks to wins over fifth-seeded Christian Brothers (72-71), eighth-seeded Ouachita Baptist--who upset top-seed Florida Southern in the first round--(99-93), in overtime, and second-seeded Benedict (97-75). Now, the Lions sit just three wins from their first national championship since 1991.

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

Women: They may have fallen one game short of their second straight trip to the Elite Eight, but the Clayton State Lakers still made things interesting along the way. They knocked off fellow Peach Belt Conference foes Francis Marion, 88-69, and Lander, 82-73, before falling to No. 1 seed Wingate, 82-72, in the finals. Despite finishing the 2007-08 season at 20-11, the Clayton State women did manage to reach the Sweet 16 for a second straight year.

Men: Like their female counterparts, the Clayton State men (19-15), fresh off of their first-ever Peach Belt Conference tournament title, eliminated the very team they upset in overtime to take that crown (USC Aiken), 60-58, followed by an 83-69 overtime win over Lenoir-Rhyne.

But in the end, No. 2 seed Augusta State (25-6), who downed Johnson C. Smith and Wingate en route to the Sweet 16, rolled past the Lakers 89-72 to claim their initial South Atlantic Region crown. It's the first-ever trip to the Elite Eight for the Jaguars!

So, who plays who in the Elite Eight?

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

WOMEN-at Kearney, Neb. (Wednesday)

Delta State (32-0) vs. California (Pa.)--(27-6)

Women's Elite Eight Bracket

MEN--at Springfield, Mass. (Wednesday)

North Alabama (27-8) vs. Bentley (33-0)

Augusta State (25-6) vs. Central Oklahoma (28-5)

Men's Elite Eight Bracket

NCAA DIVISION II TOURNAMENT BRACKETS

The full brackets for the 2008 NCAA Division II basketball tournaments are available by clicking the links below.

In the women's bracket, the South Regional champion will face the winner of the East Regional, while the South Atlantic Regional representative plays the winners of the Great Lakes Regional.

On the men's side, the South Atlantic winner will play against the South Central champion, while the South Regional champion awaits the winner of the Northeast Regional.

Women's Bracket

Men's Bracket

NCAA TOURNAMENT SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED

In case you missed them, here they are! The selections for the 2008 NCAA Division II basketball tournament, in the South and South Atlantic Regions!

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

SOUTH REGION WOMEN--at Cleveland, Miss.

1. Delta State (29-0) vs. 8. Kentucky State (19-11)

4. Nova Southeastern (24-6) vs. 5. West Georgia (24-4)

3. Tampa (24-5) vs. 6. Valdosta State (24-5)

7. Tuskegee (21-9) vs. 2. Arkansas Tech (25-5)

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION WOMEN--at Florence, S.C.

1. Wingate (23-7) vs. 8. Johnson C. Smith (21-9)

4. Shaw (21-11) vs. 5. Augusta State (19-9)

3. Clayton State (18-10) vs. 6. Francis Marion (21-8)

7. Lander (22-11) vs. 2. Tusculum (26-4)

SOUTH REGION MEN--at Lakeland, Fla.

1. Florida Southern (24-8) vs. 8. Ouachita Baptist (19-9)

4. North Alabama (24-8) vs. 5. Christian Brothers (22-9)

3. Tampa (20-8) vs. 6. Harding (18-12)

7. Eckerd (19-9) v. 2. Benedict (26-4)

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION MEN--at Augusta, Ga.

1. USC Aiken (27-3) vs. 8. Clayton State (18-12)

4. Virginia Union (22-7) vs. 5. Lenoir-Rhyne (22-6)

3. Wingate (23-6) vs. 6. Catawba (19-11)

7. Johnson C. Smith (21-9) vs. 2. Augusta State (22-6)

CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT UPDATE--03/09/2008

CLAYTON STATE STUNS USC AIKEN...WINS PEACH BELT CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT!

The No. 7 seed Clayton State University Lakers do the impossible, win four straight games...including a triple overtime thriller...to win their first-ever Peach Belt Conference tournament crown, 89-87, over No. 1 seed Sunday at Aiken, S.C.

Article courtesy of University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information

LANDER HOLDS OFF AASU FOR PBC WOMEN'S TITLE!

The No. 4 seed Lander University Bobcats stave off a last second trey, and down the No. 7 seeded Armstrong Atlantic State University Lady Pirates, 68-65, in the PBC tournament finale at Aiken, S.C.

MORE...

BENEDICT TOPS TUSKEGEE IN OVERTIME...TAKES SIAC!

The No. 1 seed Benedict College Tigers were taken to the limit...and then some, by another pack of Tigers, the Golden Tigers from Tuskegee University. But in the end, the Tigers from Columbia, S.C. sunk their fangs into an SIAC tournament title...and subsequent automatic bid to the NCAA Division II tournament Sunday at Birmingham, Ala.

Article courtesy of thesiac.com.

TUSKEGEE WOMEN WIN SIAC TITLE

The Tuskegee University Lady Tigers took home the SIAC women's basketball tournament title Sunday, as they beat Kentucky State 59-55 at Birmingham, Ala.

Article courtesy of thesiac.com.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS WINS GULF SOUTH MEN'S TITLE

Congratulations to the Christian Brothers University Buccaneers of Memphis, Tenn. The Bucs won their first-ever Gulf South Conference men's basketball tournament title with a 93-89 win over Harding in the championship game at Southaven, Miss. Sunday. It's the first-ever GSC postseason title for CBU.

RECAP/LIVE STATS

CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT UPDATE--03/09/2008

Fast forward to "Championship Sunday" to finish up "Championship Week".

In the women's bracket of the Gulf South Conference tournament, the Delta State University Lady Statesmen completed their run in Southaven, Miss., crushing Arkansas Tech 80-61 to stay unbeaten going into the NCAA tournament. On the men's side, it's an all-GSC West final, as Harding and Christian Brothers knocked off Valdosta State and North Alabama respectively to reach Sunday's title game.

In Birmingham, Ala., the SIAC tournament has its "Cinderella" team in the seventh-seeded Tuskegee Golden Tigers. The TU men pulled off back-to-back upset wins over second-seeded LeMoyne-Owen and third-seeded Fort Valley State to set up Sunday's championship game against top-seeded Benedict, who blasted Clark Atlanta 81-57.

As for the women's SIAC bracket, the Tuskegee women also reached the final game, as the No. 1 seeded Lady Tigers downed Clark Atlanta 91-76 Saturday. TU will face Kentucky State, whose Thorobrettes outlasted Stillman 57-53 that same day.

Finally, in the Peach Belt Conference tournament at Aiken, S.C., seven has also proven to be a lucky number for the No. 7 seeded Clayton State men, as the Lakers rallied to eliminate No. 10 seed UNC Pembroke, then pulled off upset wins over No. 2 seed Augusta State and No. 3 seed Georgia College & State University to reach the Sunday finale against No. 1 seed USC Aiken.

Speaking of luck, the luck of the seventh-seeded Armstrong Atlantic State Lady Pirates finally ran out Sunday, as No. 4 seed Lander pulled out a dramatic 68-65 win to claim PBC women's tournament title. The Bearcats routed top seeded Lander 93-73 Saturday to set up the final in that bracket.

CLAYTON STATE UPSETS AUGUSTA STATE

The Clayton State University Lakers pulled off the biggest upset of the Peach Belt Conference tournament so far, as they rallied from a double-digit deficit to stun the nationally 10th-ranked Augusta State University Jaguars 63-62 at Aiken, S.C. Friday.

Click the link below for the full story, plus post-game quotes.

Article courtesy of University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information

CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT UPDATE--03/07/2008

For the most part, it was an "upsetting day" at conference tournaments throughout D-II South Nation Thursday.

Starting with the Peach Belt Conference tournament at Aiken, S.C., both the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the women's bracket were eliminated, with one of them losing at the buzzer. No. 7 seed Armstrong Atlantic State and No. 6 seed Columbus State, the "Cinderella" teams of the PBC dance thanks to these respective upsets, will square off Saturday, with a trip to Sunday's title game at stake.

In the SIAC tournament at Birmingham, Ala., top seeded Tuskegee cruised to a Saturday semifinal appearance with an easy 76-54 quarterfinal win over Paine, while fifth seeded Clark Atlanta knocked off fourth seeded Albany State 88-80. The shocker of the day, though, came when 11th seeded LeMoyne-Owen stunned sixth seeded Miles 60-58.

On the men's side, top seeded Benedict was taken to the limit by No. 9 seed Albany State, but the Tigers still managed to pull out a 73-69 double overtime win in the quarterfinals.

Finally, in the Gulf South Conference tournament at Southaven, Miss., the University of Arkansas-Monticello Cotton Blossoms provided the huge upset in Thursday's women's quarterfinals, as they crushed GSC East Division top seed West Georgia 79-54. Nationally top-ranked Delta State awaits UAM in Saturday's semifinal action, with the Lady Statesmen running past Christian Brothers 63-41.

CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT UPDATE--03/06/2008

Just barely into the second day of conference tournament action, and March Madness has already spread. In the Peach Belt Conference tournament at Aiken, S.C., No. 7 seed Armstrong Atlantic State Thursady upset No. 2 seed Clayton State, 68-66, to advance to Saturday's quarterfinals, while No. 5 seed Clark-Atlanta knocked off No. 4 seed Albany State, 88-80, to move on to the semifinals of the SIAC tournament this weekend. Stay connected to D-II South Sports for more updates of conference tournament action as they become available.

REGIONAL RANKINGS REVIEW--MEN

With the regular season now in the rear view mirror, teams in D-II South Nation can now look ahead to conference tournament action. The teams "on the bubble" have no margin for error if they hope to play beyond this weekend.

Even the teams in the upper echelon of the regional rankings can't relax, as the average underdog stands capable of coming out of nowhere, and pulling off multiple upsets en route to winning many a conference tournament. With outcomes like this, it's no wonder why people call it "March Madness".

Having said that, let's take at how the men's squads stack up.

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

Source: NCAA.com

The teams record against all Division II opponents is listed on top, with the in-region record listed below.

SOUTH REGION

1
Tampa
18-7
16-5

2
Florida Southern
21-7
18-6

3
North Alabama
20-7
19-4

4
Benedict
21-4
21-4

5
Eckerd
18-8
18-5

6
Christian Brothers
17-9
16-7

7
Harding
12-9
12-9

8
Ouachita Baptist
16-7
15-6

9
West Georgia
14-11
14-11

10
Rollins
17-8
12-8

Analysis: Despite going into the Gulf South Conference tournament on an eight-game winning streak, the Lions dropped from the #1 to the #3 spot in the final South Region ranikings for the regular season. Instead, the UNA men hope to not only to win the GSC tournament, but also the right to host the South Regional. That is, if either Tampa or Florida Southern, or both stumble in the Sunshine State Conference tournament.

As for other teams in D-II South Nation, Benedict hopes to win out, and take home the SIAC tournament crown this season after being stopped cold in their first game, while GSC bubble teams Christian Brothers, Harding, Ouachita Baptist, and West Georgia hope to improve their at-large chances with impressive showings in the GSC tourney.

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

1
South Carolina Aiken
25-2
25-1

2
Augusta State
22-4
22-4

3
Wingate
21-4
19-4

4
Lenoir-Rhyne
20-5
19-5

5
Virginia Union
20-7
18-7

6
Elizabeth City State
17-7
17-7

7
Bowie State
19-8
19-8

8
Johnson C. Smith
19-9
19-9

9
Carson-Newman
17-6
17-6

10
Catawba
16-11
16-10

Analysis: They may be the only two teams from the Peach Belt Conference ranked in the final South Atlantic Region poll of the regular season, but USC Aiken and Augusta State both hold the top two spots going into conference tournament play. The only way a third PBC team (such Armstrong Atlantic State, Georgia College & State University, or even North Georgia) can join that duo in the NCAA tourney is if they win the conference tournament at USC Aiken this weekend. On the other hand, both the CIAA and South Atlantic Conference tournaments are likely to provide some high drama in terms of which teams will punch their tickets to the "mini-big dance".

REGIONAL RANKINGS REVIEW--WOMEN

Championship Week has arrived for many teams in D-II South Nation. For many teams playing in conference tournaments, this is their last chance to impress the people that will select the eight teams in eight regions for next week's NCAA Division II tournament. That includes the South and South Atlantic Regions.

Having said that, let's break down the final regular season regional rankings.

NOTE: Only games against NCAA Division II opponents count in the regional rankings, followed by the in-region record.

KEY: Teams in conference covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.

Source: NCAA.com

SOUTH REGION

1
Delta State
24-0
20-0

2
West Georgia
23-3
23-3

3
Arkansas Tech
19-4
19-4

4
Tampa
22-5
20-4

5
Nova Southeastern
21-6
18-5

6
Valdosta State
21-4
20-4

7
Tuskegee
18-9
18-7

8
Harding
14-9
14-9

9
Fort Valley State
18-9
17-7

10
Rollins
17-9
16-9

Analysis: Seven of the top 10 teams in this week's South Region poll call D-II South Nation home, with five teams from the Gulf South Conference, and two from the SIAC ranked going into conference tournament action.

Don't be surprised if the GSC sends at least four teams to the NCAA South Regional next week, while it will likely be a battle between Tuskegee and FVSU for the SIAC bid, assuming no other team steps up and wins the SIAC tournament this weekend.

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

1
Clayton State
18-9
18-7

2
Augusta State
18-8
18-8

3
Tusculum
22-3
19-3

4
Wingate
20-7
20-6

5
Francis Marion
18-7
18-7

6
Shaw
21-11
19-6

7
Johnson C. Smith
19-8
19-8

8
Columbus State
16-10
16-10

9
South Carolina-Aiken
18-7
17-7

10
Lander
17-11
16-9

Analysis: Even with five teams sharing the regular season title, and a sixth squad finishing one game behind that aforementioned quartet, the Peach Belt Conference still managed to get six teams ranked in the regional poll. Even so, this week's PBC tournament at USC Aiken will go a long way towards which teams get in with at-large bids, and who will sit at home.

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK--CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

The regular season is over. The postseason is here. And in between both the regular season and NCAA tournament, there are the conference tournaments. Here is how the tourneys in the three "D-II South Nation" conferences stack up.

Gulf South Conference--at Southaven, Miss. (March 5-9)

Women's Bracket

Men's Bracket

Analysis: Both the Delta State women (26-0 overall) and the North Alabama men (23-7) are the overwhelming favorites to not only win their respective brackets, but also to host the South Regionals next week. Still, this is "March Madness", where every team starts 0-0. With three other nationally ranked teams (West Georgia, Valdosta State, and Arkansas Tech) playing in the GSC tournament, it won't be an easy path for the Lady Statesmen to navigate.

Peach Belt Conference--at Aiken, S.C. (March 5-9)

Women's Bracket

Men's Bracket

Analysis: USC Aiken (25-2 overall, 19-1 in PBC) and Augusta State (22-5, 17-3) have dominated regular season play all season. But if there's a sleeper in the men's bracket, it might Georgia College & State University (19-8, 13-7), whose Bobcats finished a respectable third place at the end of the regular season.

On the women's side, after one of the most parity-filled regular season title races in league history, the conference tournament could also be one of the most unpredictable, especially after five teams (Augusta State, Clayton State, Lander, Francis Marion, and USC Aiken) managed to get a five-way split of the crown. A sixth team, Columbus State, finished just one game behind that quintet. So, it wouldn't be a surprise if a lower-seeded team came out of nowhere, and won the tournament title come Sunday.

SIAC--at Birmingham, Ala. (March 5-9)

Women's Bracket

Men's Bracket

Analysis: Like the Peach Belt Conference, the race for the women's SIAC regular season championship also came down with the wire, with Tuskegee (18-8 overall, 17-3 in conference play) beating out Fort Valley State (18-9, 15-5) by two games for first place. But the conference tournament is anyone's for the taking, as any of the underdogs could get hot, and steal the automatic bid to the NCAA Division II tournament.

On the men's side, Benedict (23-4, 20-2) has run away with the top regular season title, but hopes to avoid a meltdown that stopped their run in the SIAC tournament in 2007. As the fifth seed, Albany State upset the Tigers en route to the conference tourney title last year, but the Golden Rams must win four games as the ninth seed in order to repeat this year.

DELTA STATE HOLDS OFF ARKANSAS TECH--WINS GSC WEST TITLE

The nationally top-ranked Delta State University Lady Statesmen remained unbeaten, but not without a fight, as they edged 10th-ranked Arkansas Tech, 73-71, in a Thursday night thriller at Russellville, Ark. The win clinched the Gulf South Conference West Division title for the Lady Statesmen.

Article courtesy of d2basketball.com via Delta State University Sports Information

REGIONAL RANKINGS REVIEW--MEN

With the final weekend of the 2007-08 NCAA Division II regular season fast approaching, how do the men's teams stack up in terms of who will advance to postseason play? Let's read on to find the answers in this installment of the "Regional Rankings Review".

South Region
1.
North Alabama
19-7
18-4

2.
Florida Southern
21-6
18-5

3.
Benedict
20-4
20-4

4.
Tampa
16-7
14-5

5.
Harding
11-8
11-8

6.
Eckerd
16-8
16-5

7.
Rollins
16-7
11-7

8.
West Georgia
13-10
13-10

9.
Alabama-Huntsville
13-12
11-10

10.
Christian Brothers
15-9
14-7

Analysis: North Alabama (23-7 overall, 10-2 GSC) is on a roll entering the Gulf South Conference tournament, winning eight straight games, and a GSC East Division title. But perennial Sunshine State Conference power Florida Southern wants to steal the Lions thunder, and the home court advantage for the South Regional tournament. As the SIAC regular season champions, Benedict hopes to avoid an early exit from its conference tournament.

South Atlantic Region

1.
Augusta State
21-3
21-3

2.
South Carolina Aiken
23-2
23-1

3.
Lenoir-Rhyne
20-3
19-3

4.
Virginia Union
19-6
17-6

5.
Elizabeth City State
17-6
17-6

6.
Wingate
19-4
17-4

7.
Bowie State
18-7
18-7

8.
Carson-Newman
18-4
18-4

9.
Armstrong Atlantic State
16-9
16-9

10.
Johnson C. Smith
16-9
16-9

Analysis: With its 65-56 win over Clayton State, combined with Augusta State's 91-83 upset loss to Columbus State, both on Feb. 27, USC Aiken (24-2, 18-1 PBC) not only clinched the Peach Belt Conference regular season title-while carrying an 11-game winning streak into next week's PBC tournament, they also put themselves in position to overtake their Central Savannah River Area rivals for the top spot in next week's regional poll. It'll be interesting to see whether the Pacers can maintain that pace heading into postseason play en route to hosting the South Atlantic Regional.

REGIONAL RANKINGS REVIEW--WOMEN

Our road to the NCAA Division II tournament with an analysis on the women's rankings.

NOTE: First record is the record against all Division II opponents, followed by the in-region record. Games against non-NCAA Division II teams do not count in the rankings. The top eight teams in each region will advance to the NCAA Division II tournament on March 9.

Source: NCAA Sports.com

South Region
1
Delta State
22-0
18-0

2
West Georgia
22-2
22-2

3
Arkansas Tech
18-3
18-3

4
Tampa
20-5
18-4

5
Nova Southeastern
19-6
16-5

6
Tuskegee
17-7
17-5

7
Harding
13-8
13-8

8
Valdosta State
20-4
19-4

9
Barry
17-8
14-6

10
Fort Valley State
17-9
16-7

Analysis: Going into Thursday night's showdown against nationally 10th-ranked Arkansas Tech, top-ranked Delta State had a chance to clinch the Gulf South Conference West Division title outright with a win, and preserve their perfect record. Regardless of the outcome, the Lady Statesmen appear poised to host the South Regional, thanks to their impressive record.

Still, don't count the likes of teams such as ATU, West Georgia, and Valdosta State out of the picture just yet, as all of those teams are more than capable of making a solid postseason run.


South Atlantic Region

1
Francis Marion
18-5
18-5

2
Clayton State
17-8
17-6

3
Augusta State
17-7
17-7

4
Columbus State
15-9
15-9

5
Tusculum
21-3
18-3

6
Wingate
18-7
18-6

7
North Georgia
16-10
16-10

8
Shaw
17-11
15-6

9
Johnson C. Smith
17-7
17-7

10
South Carolina-Aiken
16-7
15-7

Analysis: Despite having multiple teams beating up on each other, the Peach Belt Conference still managed to place six teams in the South Atlantic regional rankings, including the top four positions. With six teams separted by one game for first place--five of those holding identical 12-7 records in PBC play, and Francis Marion (20-6, 13-6) barely clinging to a one-game lead for the regular season title--this could set the tone for one of the most competitive conference tournaments in recent years.

REGIONAL RANKINGS REVIEW--MEN

Our coverage leading up to the NCAA Division II basketball tournament continues with a review of the men's regional rankings.

NOTE: Only games against NCAA Division II opponents are counted in the regional rankings. The overall records against all D-II opponents, followed by the in-region record. All records listed reflected action through Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008.

South Region

1.
North Alabama
17-7
16-4

2.
Tampa
16-6
14-4

3.
Florida Southern
19-6
16-5

4.

Benedict
17-4
17-4

5.

Rollins
16-5
11-5

6.
Harding
10-7
10-7

7.
Eckerd
15-7
15-4

8.
Alabama-Huntsville
12-11
10-9

9.
Ouachita Baptist
13-6
12-5

10.
Christian Brothers
13-9
12-7

Analysis: North Alabama (22-7 overall as of Feb. 25) has been the class of a Gulf South Conference that's had a down year so far, as no other team in the league has won more than 20 games overall. The Sunshine State Conference, meanwhile, has flexed its muscles tremendously, placing four teams (Tampa, Florida Southern, Rollins, & Eckerd) in the top eight regionally. Benedict (22-4, 19-2) has run away with the SIAC regular season title, but the jury is still out as to whether the Tigers can close the deal in the upcoming conference tournament.

South Atlantic Region

1.
Augusta State
19-3
19-3

2.
South Carolina Aiken
20-2
20-1

3.
Lenoir-Rhyne
19-3
18-3

4.
Elizabeth City State
17-4
17-4

5.
Wingate
17-4
15-4

6.
Virginia Union
17-6
15-6

7.
Carson-Newman
16-4
16-4

8.
Bowie State
16-7
16-7

9.
Armstrong Atlantic State
15-8
15-8

10.
GCSU
13-7
13-7

Analysis: The Peach Belt Conference regular season title race has basically been a battle between two teams USC Aiken (23-2 overall, 17-1 PBC) and Augusta State (21-4, 16-2) all season long. And they could be the lone representatives from the league in the NCAA South Atlantic Regional unless bubble teams Armstrong Atlantic State (16-9, 10-8) and Georgia College & State University (18-7, 12-6) get hot in the conference tournament, and win the automatic bid from the PBC.

REGIONAL RANKINGS REVIEW--WOMEN

As the regular season winds down, the regional rankings have become more critical in terms of which eight teams per region will advance to the NCAA Division II tournament.

Over the next several weeks, D-II South Sports will break down the rankings in both the South and South Atlantic Regions, and what impact those numbers will have on the eventual selection process. First up are the women's rankings.

Source: NCAA Sports.com via d2basketball.com

KEY: First record is games against all Division II opponents only. The second record is games against all regional opponents. Non-NCAA Division II games were not counted in the regional rankings.

South Region

1
Delta State
20-0
16-0

2
West Georgia
21-2
21-2

3
Arkansas Tech
16-3
16-3

4
Tampa
18-5
16-4

5
Nova Southeastern
17-6
14-5

6
Valdosta State
19-4
18-4

7
Tuskegee
15-7
15-5

8
Harding
12-7
12-7

9
Fort Valley State
15-8
14-6

10
Barry
16-8
13-6

Analysis: The Gulf South Conference leads the way in the South Region with five teams, three of those holding the top three spots (DSU, UWG, and ATU). The Sunshine State Conference, though, looks a two-team race between Tampa and Nova Southeastern for first place there. It appears the SIAC regular season title race could come down to either Fort Valley State or Tuskegee.

South Atlantic Region

1
Francis Marion
16-4
16-4

2
Columbus State
14-7
14-7

3
Clayton State
15-7
15-5

4
Augusta State
16-6
16-6

5
North Georgia
15-8
15-8

6
Tusculum
19-3
16-3

7
Wingate
16-7
16-6

8
Shaw
17-11
15-6

9
Johnson C. Smith
16-7
16-7

10
South Carolina-Aiken
14-6
13-6

The Peach Belt Conference regular season championship race appears to be the tightest in years, with the top six teams separated by one game heading into action on Feb. 20. That would mean Francis Marion's (18-5, 11-5 PBC) stay at the top of the South Atlantic Region rankings will be short lived after 95-81 upset loss to Lander just two nights earlier. That could make for the most exciting PBC tournament in a long time.

MUST SEE GAMES--02/13/2008

Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or view live stats.

KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video

TOP WOMEN'S GAMES

Columbus State (14-7, 10-4) at North Georgia (14-7, 7-7)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST

Augusta State (15-6, 9-5) at Lander (14-9, 8-5)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST

The Peach Belt Conference has been among the most competitive leagues in NCAA Division II since its debut in the early 1990's. But the race for the women's basketball regular season title has never been this tight.

The case in point is the two games featured for tonight. After a sluggish start, CSU has won its last three games to pull into a first place tie with Francis Marion (17-4, 10-4), whom the Lady Cougars knocked off in double overtime, 113-108, in a rare Sunday matinee on Feb. 10.

The Lady Saints, on the other hand, have been in a Jekyll-and-Hyde mentality in PBC play so far this season. In fact, after getting by Georgia College & State University, 82-75, on Feb. 6, the North Georgia women couldn't find their rhythm against USC Aiken, and fell 76-59 just three days later.

The other featured game has the Bearcats playing host to the Lady Jaguars. Both teams are coming off tough losses, as ASU dropped a 67-64 setback to Clayton State Feb. 9, while LU was stomped by Columbus State 92-74 that same night.

TOP MEN'S GAMES

Georgia College & State University (14-6, 8-5) at Armstrong Atlantic State (L)-(V)--(14-7, 8-6)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST

Columbus State (12-12, 8-6) at North Georgia (12-9, 7-7)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST

While USC Aiken (19-2, 13-1) and Augusta State (17-4, 12-2) are battling each other for the PBC regular season crown, it's a tight race for third place, as four squads from the Peach State play each other in a critical battle for position in the upcoming conference tournament.

GC&SU has won back-to-back games going into mid-week action, while Armstrong has won three straight contests. Those recent results leave the Bobcats and Pirates separated by half a game for the third seed in the PBC standings.

Despite up and down season thus far, the Cougars have managed to post a better than .500 record in conference games. After losing to Lander, 66-53, on Feb. 9, CSU did manage to bounce back, on blow out Francis Marion, 77-61, the following day.

As for the North Georgia men, they enter this contest coming off back-to-back losses. The Saints fell to GC&SU 84-72 on Feb. 6, then lost to PBC leader USC Aiken 75-70 the following day. It'll be interesting to see if North Georgia can not only snap that short skid, but make a late move before the PBC tournament.

MUST SEE GAMES--02/11/2008

Click on the link (s) to listen to live audio, view live audio, or live stats.

KEY: (V)-Video (L)--Live Stats

National rankings courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

#10 West Georgia (20-2, 7-0) at #13 Valdosta State (19-3, 5-2)--Monday 6 p.m. EST

The Wolves put their 11-game winning streak on the line in this Gulf South Conference East Division match-up, while hoping to put some distance between themselves and the Lady Blazers in the process. As for the VSU women, they'll be looking for revenge against UWG, who snapped what was then a 10-game Lady Blazer win streak back on Jan. 19 in a 59-49 win at home.

TOP MEN'S GAME

West Georgia (12-9, 4-3) at Valdosta State (13-8, 5-2)--Monday 8 p.m. EST

The Blazers host the Wolves in a battle of Gulf South Conference East Division teams whose fortunes have reversed since their initial meeting in January.

Since edging the Blazers, 64-63, in the first meeting at Carrollton, Ga. on Jan. 19, the Wolves have been in a freefall mode, losing four of their last six games. That skid included a 85-68 loss at West Florida on Jan. 9.

On the other hand, the Blazers have been, for lack of a better word, "blazin"! The Blazers enter this contest on a four-game winning streak, the latest victory a 78-63 triumph over Alabama-Huntsville on Jan. 9. The VSU men pulled into a three-way tie with UAH and North Alabama in the GSC East with the win over the Chargers.

FORMER KENTUCKY STATE PLAYER INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

A former pro star who played his college basketball at Kentucky State is inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame. Find out who he is by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of thesiac.com.

MUST SEE GAMES--02/04/2008

Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.

KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

Columbus State (11-6, 7-3) at Augusta State (13-5, 7-4)--Monday 5:30 p.m. EST

Call the Peach Belt Conference the "pretty bizarre" conference.

That's because so far this season, teams in this competitive league have been beating up on each other left and right, with each team having at least two losses in conference play going into the early stages of February.

The CSU Lady Cougars are one of those teams, having won four straight games to put themselves in the hunt for the PBC regular-season title. On Jan. 30, the Georgia College & State University Lady Bobcats became the Lady Cougars fourth straight victim, as Columbus State posted a 62-47 win.

As for Augusta State, the Lady Jaguars have won three straight games going into this rare Monday night league contest, winning for the first time in the last six tries at Georgia College & State University. With the 85-62 rout of the Lady Bobcats on Groundhog Day (Feb. 2), the Augusta State women pulled themselves to within a half-game of Clayton State (13-6, 8-4), who downed UNC Pembroke 63-57 that same night, and idle Columbus State, who had the Super Bowl weekend off.

TOP MEN'S GAME

NOTE: National ranking courtesy of NABC poll.

Columbus State (10-10, 6-4) at #10 Augusta State (14-4, 9-2)--Monday 7:30 p.m. EST

The nightcap of this Peach Belt Conference doubleheader pits the Cougars against the Jaguars. Like their female counterparts, the CSU men are also riding a winning streak after a slow start, winners of their last three contests, including a stunning 80-78 win over longtime PBC archrival Georgia College & State University on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars managed to bounce back from a 75-71 upset loss to North Georgia on Jan. 28, to pick up a 88-81 Groundhog Day win over the GC&SU Bobcats.

GC&SU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR TO RETIRE

Georgia College & State University will soon begin its search for a new athletic director. Stan Aldridge, who has been at the university for more than three decades, is giving up the top job at the end of March. Aldridge played a key role in turning GC&SU into one of the premier athletic departments in the Peach Belt Conference.

MORE

MUST SEE GAMES--01/31/2008

Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.

KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video

National rankings courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

#17 Arkansas Tech (16-2, 5-0) at #1 Delta State (17-0, 5-0)--Thursday 6 p.m. CST

Every season, it seems that sooner or later, there's a big showdown that many a loyal fan has circled on his or her calendars for months. The ATU-DSU clash is one of those contests, as the winner of this contest stands alone atop the Gulf South Conference West Division standings.

The top-ranked Lady Statesmen will put their perfect 17-0 record against the 17th-ranked team in the Golden Suns. DSU stayed unbeaten after downing Christian Brothers 54-39 last Saturday (Jan. 26), while ATU won its 16th straight game since starting the season 0-2 with a 74-54 crushing of Arkansas-Monticello that same night.

Consider the following statistics: As this blog entry was posted, ATU and DSU had two of the top three scoring offenses in the GSC (ATU 1st--82.2 ppg; DSU 3rd--73.4), two of the top five scoring defenses (DSU 2nd--52.6; ATU 5th--57.8), top two in average scoring margin (ATU tops at plus-24.4 ppg; DSU 2nd at 20.8), even the highest free-throw percentages in the conference (ATU at .497, DSU not far behind at .495).

In other words, it's like the old saying goes, "something's gotta give" when these two powerhouses clash in this Thursday night special. It's too bad one team has to lose.

TOP MEN'S GAME

Arkansas Tech (13-5, 4-1) at Delta State (9-8, 3-2)--Thursday 8 p.m. CST

As if the main event between two nationally-ranked teams wasn't bad enough, the nightcap shouldn't be bad either, as the Statesmen take on the Wonder Boys in a contest that could further tighten the Gulf South Conference West Division race.

Arkansas-Monticello (11-6, 3-2) moved to within one game of first place in the GSC West by handing ATU its first conference loss of the season with a 67-63 win on the road Saturday, Jan. 26. DSU climbed over .500 in both overall and GSC play, respectively by beating Christian Brothers 79-63 the same night.

MUST SEE GAMES--01/30/2008

Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.

KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video

National ranking courtesy of WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

#22 Francis Marion (13-2, 6-2) at Lander (L)--(13-6, 7-2)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST

Hands down, this is the "Game of the Night" in Peach Belt Conference women's basketball, as the Bearcats host the Patriots in a showdown for sole possession of first place.

FMU re-entered the NCAA Division II national rankings after downing defending PBC champion Clayton State 84-76 Saturday Jan. 26. Lander lost its second PBC contest of the season with a 66-52 upset loss at Armstrong Atlantic State that same day.

TOP MEN'S GAME

Georgia College & State University (12-4, 6-3) at Columbus State (9-10, 5-4)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST

The Cougars host the Bobcats in what has already become a tight men's race in the Peach Belt Conference. On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Bobcats gave nationally-ranked USC Aiken all it could handle before losing 72-69 on the road, while the Cougars needed overtime to defeat UNC Pembroke 70-68.

MUST SEE GAMES--01/28/2008

NOTE: Click on the highlighted school names to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.

KEY: (V)--Video

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

North Georgia (11-4, 4-4) at Augusta State (V)--(11-5, 5-4)--Monday 5:30 p.m. EST

The Lady Jaguars host the Lady Saints in a game that was rescheduled from Jan. 19 because of the recent wintry weather in the Southeast. The winner of this contest hopes to make an upward move in the Peach Belt Conference standings heading into February.

Both teams had mixed results in games played last week. North Georgia defeated Armstrong Atlantic State, 78-66, on Jan. 21 (MLK Day), but fell to Clayton State two nights later, by a score of 76-72.

As for Augusta State, the Lady Jags began the week with a low-scoring 48-37 win over USC Aiken Jan. 21, lost 101-86 to Francis Marion Jan.23, then rebounded to hand Georgia Southwestern State (1-16, 0-10) its 16th straight defeat, 75-69.

TOP MEN'S GAME

Montevallo (9-9, 2-2) at Valdosta State (10-8, 2-2)--Monday 8 p.m. EST

The Blazers host the Falcons in yet another critical Gulf South Conference East Division showdown at the VSU P.E. Complex. Not only is sole possession of fourth place in the GSC East at stake, the winner of this game will also go above. 500 in conference play going into February.

On Saturday, Jan. 26, VSU snapped a two-game losing streak at the expense of the University of West Alabama Tigers, as they earned a much-needed win over the Alabama foes, 74-62, at home. Jamahl Stokes scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Blazers to victory.

As for the Falcons, they'll look to go into February with a winning record both in overall and GSC play after a sluggish start. UM, though, did need overtime to defeat West Florida, 75-70, at UWF Saturday.

MUST SEE GAMES--01/26/2008

Click on the highlighted school name (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.

KEY: (V)--Video (L)--Live Stats

TOP MEN'S GAME

Arkansas-Monticello (10-6, 2-2) at Arkansas Tech (L)--(13-4, 4-0)--Saturday 6 p.m. CST

The Boll Weevils battle the Wonder Boys in a key Gulf South Conference West Division clash. ATU hopes to stay unbeaten in conference play, while UAM hopes to get over .500 in GSC action.

Thursday night, the Wonder Boys held off Harding (9-8, 3-1) to take over sole possession of first place in the GSC West, while the Boll Weevils downed Henderson State 69-57.

AUGUSTA STATE UPSETS USC AIKEN

The Augusta State University men's basketball team, ranked 18th in the nation, knocked off the 7th-ranked University of South Carolina-Aiken Pacers, 75-59, Monday Jan. 21. The loss ended the Pacers quest to go undefeated in PBC play, as they fell to 7-1 in league action (13-2 overall).

Augusta State University Sports Information

USC Aiken Sports Information

PEACH BELT RELEASES PRESEASON BASEBALL TEAM

Yes, it may be the middle of the conference basketball season in D-II South Nation, but baseball season is just around the corner, as the Peach Belt Conference released its preseason all-league squads for 2008...

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USC AIKEN WOMEN'S HOOPS WINS 500TH GAME!!!

COLUMBUS, Ga.--On a cold, rainy afternoon in Columbus, USC Aiken junior Meredith Legg and the rest of the Lady Pacers (10-3, 4-3 PBC) heated up the Lumpkin Center for a 75-61 win over Columbus State (7-6, 3-3 PBC) in women’s Peach Belt Conference basketball. Legg tied her career-high with 23 in the first half alone on 8-of-11 three-point attempts. She finished with 28. As a team, USCA tied a school record with 14 made treys.

It was the program’s second win in the last three visits to Columbus, avenging last year’s 75-74 overtime defeat. The victory is also USCA’s 500th win all-time in 32 years of women’s basketball.

Columbus State, winners of two straight, employed a zone defense in the first half against the Lady Pacers, shutting down the inside attack of Morgan Johnson and Jordon Thomas, but opening up opportunities for Legg. Despite a career game from the Huntersville, N.C. product, the Lady Pacers found themselves trailing at the break.

Turelle Jones’ fastbreak lay-up at the 14:58 mark of the opening stanza gave the Lady Cougars a 10-5 advantage. Legg proceeded to drain three-straight triples as USCA grabbed its first lead 14-12 less than two minutes later.

Following a rare Legg two-point basket, Jones ignited a 10-0 run and CSU pushed out to a 26-16 spread with 7:34 left in the half. Jones finished with 11 points as the Lady Cougars held a commanding 24-2 edge in points in the paint in the first half.

The Lady Pacers finally ended a four-and-a-half minute scoring drought on another Legg three with 7:28 on the clock, only to see Maria Grimes, CSU’s leading scorer at 17.8 ppg, counter with a three-pointer of her own on the ensuing possession. Grimes had 11 on the day.

Three more Legg long balls capped off by Nakia Pinkney’s trey with 2:44 on the clock capped off a 12-3 Lady Pacer run as USCA drew within a point at 32-31. Pinkney’s field goal ended 23-straight points scored by Legg, becoming the first Lady Pacer to scratch in the scoring column since Avonte Williams’ at the 16:54 mark.

Columbus State closed the half strong, however, scoring the final eight points to lead 40-31.

The first points of the second half belonged to Columbus State’s Monica Sicka as she extended the CSU lead to the largest of the game, 42-31 with 18:36 to play. Sicka led CSU with 12 points and eight rebounds.

After zoning USC Aiken in the first half, the Lady Cougars switched to man-to-man in the final frame, limiting Legg to just five second half points, but opening the door for her teammates.

After three first-half points by Williams, Johnson, and Megan Starnes combined, the trio scored 29 over the final 18 minutes.

Back-to-back three-pointers by Pinkney and Starnes sliced the deficit to 42-40 with 14:33 on the clock, part of a 24-8 USCA run that ended with a Thomas’ trey at 8:23 to put the Lady Pacers ahead 55-50.

Columbus State got within three with 7:18 remaining, but USCA countered with an 11-3 run to put the game away, posting the 75-61 victory.

Williams finished with 10 points while Thomas added seven points and a career-high seven assists. Her four steals also tied a career-mark set last weekend against Georgia Southwestern. Johnson collected her eighth-straight double figure night with 10 points, seven boards, and four blocks. Starnes added 12 points and four steals.

Finishing 8-of-14 from the three-point line for 28 points and seven rebounds, Legg registered her fourth 20-point scoring performance in the past seven games. The eight made three-pointers was two shy of the school and conference record held by Janell Gerk, the person that Legg ironically passed on the all-time threes list today, moving into third-place.

Suffering 20 first half turnovers, USC Aiken responded to commit just six second-half miscues, forcing Columbus State into 14 while the Lady Cougars recorded only one assist in the final 20 minutes.

USC Aiken shot 50.0 percent on the afternoon including 14-of-24 from deep for 58.3 percent. And after allowing 81.7 ppg to their last two opponents on the road, the Lady Pacers snapped their road losing streak at two, holding Columbus State to 61 points (21 in the second half) and forcing 27 turnovers.

USC Aiken will quickly turnaround and play at Augusta State on Monday, January 21 at 5:30 PM. In looking to avenge their only home defeat this year, the Lady Pacers will face a Lady Jag team that enjoyed a day off as weather forced the postponement of the ASU versus North Georgia match-up.

Source: University of South Carolina-Aiken Sports Information

MUST SEE GAMES--01/19/2008

Click on the highlighted links to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.

National rankings courtesy of the WBCA/ESPN/USA Today poll.

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

#5 Valdosta State (15-1, 1-0) at #25 West Georgia (15-2, 2-0)--Saturday 5:30 p.m. EST

With every Gulf South Conference team having played at least one league game, there's already a big showdown for first place in the East Division. The Lady Blazers have won 10 straight games, while the Wolves have a six-game winning streak coming into this contest.

While the Wolves easily handled West Alabama 91-71 on the road Monday, Jan. 14, the Lady Blazers held off a scrappy North Alabama squad to win its GSC East opener, 57-48, the same night.

Of course, something has to give once these teams take to the court, as the winner of this game not only takes over sole possession of first place in the GSC East, but also the distinction of being the lone unbeaten left in division play.

TOP MEN'S GAME

Valdosta State (9-6, 1-0) at West Georgia (9-5, 2-0)--Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST

While the men's teams may not have the national rankings, or the excellent records to match, this contest is no less important for the Blazers and the Wolves.

UWG downed Montevallo, 81-66, and West Alabama, 77-64, in its first Gulf South Conference games. As for VSU, the Blazers needed overtime to knock off its always fierce archrival, North Alabama, 92-86, in their GSC East opener.

Just like in the aforementioned women's contest, first place in the division will be on the line, not to mention the 10th win overall. Oh, and this is the 109th time the men's teams at VSU and UWG have met.

MORE:

NCAA Sports.com Video Webcast Link

VSU Women's Game Notes

VSU Men's Game Notes

UWG Game Notes

MUST SEE GAMES--01/16/2008

NOTE: Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or live stats.

KEY: (V)--Video Webcast Link

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

Lander (10-4, 4-0) at Augusta State (V)--(9-3, 3-2)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST

The Bearcats will put their five-game winning streak on the line against the Lady Jaguars in a Peach Belt Conference that always seems to be tough from top to bottom each year. Lander remained unbeaten in PBC play with a wild 107-97 win over Georgia College & State University Saturday, Jan. 12.

The Lady Jags, on the other hand, pulled into a three-way tie for third place with Armstrong Atlantic State and North Georgia in the Peach Belt after knocking off the Lady Pirates 79-67 last weekend.

Additionally, Augusta State also sits just a half game behind second place Francis Marion (10-1, 3-1), whose Patriots currently have the longest overall winning streak in the PBC (six straight wins) going into Wednesday's action.

TOP MEN'S GAME

Armstrong Atlantic State (9-3, 3-2) at Georgia College & State University (9-2, 3-1)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST

The Bobcats play host to the Pirates in yet another key Peach Belt Conference contest (like there's almost always a key game in this league). GC&SU kept pace with second place Augusta State (9-3, 4-1) with a 71-57 win over Lander Saturday, Jan. 12, while AASU fell to the aforementioned Jaguars 83-82 in overtime that same day. By the end of the night, one team will win not only their 10th game overall, but their fourth in PBC action.

MUST SEE GAMES--01/14/2007

NOTE: Click on the highlighted school name (s) to listen to live audio, or view live stats.

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

Clark Atlanta (7-4, 3-2) at Miles (7-3, 4-2)--Monday 5:30 p.m. CST

It's a "Big Monday" in the SIAC, as the Golden Bears face the Panthers in this crucial league contest. With first place Tuskegee (5-4, 4-0) being the lone unbeaten team in SIAC play, and every other team having at least two conference losses, this game will be critical in terms of seeding for the SIAC tournament.

TOP MEN'S GAME

North Alabama (13-5, 1-0) at Valdosta State (8-6,0-0)--Monday 8 p.m. EST

Two longtime Gulf South Conference rivals square off in southern Georgia, as the Blazers play host to the Lions. UNA extended its win streak to four straight games after holding off West Florida on the road, 80-77, Saturday in its conference opener. On the other hand, VSU hopes to open GSC East action on a winning note after losing to NAIA Flagler (Fla.) 70-58 Thursday (Jan. 10).

MUST SEE GAMES--DEBUT EDITION

Well, here it is, the long-awaited return of "MSG"! For the remainder of the 2007-08 basketball season, D-II South Sports will preview the best conference match-ups possible. So, what are waiting for? Let's go!

NOTE: All times local. National rankings courtesy of WBCA/USA Today (women) or NABC (men).

Click on the highlighted school name (s) to listen to live audio, view live video, or view live stats.

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

#23 USC Aiken (8-2, 2-2) at Francis Marion (9-1, 2-1)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST

The Lady Pacers travel to Florence, S.C. in hopes of bouncing back after being knocked off by current WBCA #20 North Georgia College & State University 93-83 Saturday.

The Patriots, on the other hand, will put their five-game winning streak on the line in this critical Peach Belt Conference contest. FMU is currently in a four-way with Armstrong Atlantic State (8-2), Augusta State (8-2), and the aforementioned North Georgia (9-1), who travels to Georgia College & State University the same night.

Ironically, GC&SU (6-3, 1-1) not only sits just half a game behind this quartet, but also is in a virtual tie with preseason favorite Clayton State (7-4, 2-2), and USCA. And to top it all off, Lander (8-4, 3-0) is the only unbeaten team remaining in PBC play heading into mid-week action.

TOP MEN'S GAME

North Georgia (6-4, 1-2) at Georgia College & State University (7-2, 1-1)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST

The Saints face the Bobcats in a battle of middle of the pack PBC men's squads. North Georgia began the 2008 portion of their schedule on a losing note, fallling to USC Aiken (10-1, 4-0) 96-91 Saturday, while GC&SU dropped a 75-53 decision to Johnson C. Smith in non-conference action last Thursday. The winner of this contest could make a serious case for challenging the NABC 8th-ranked Pacers, who remain the lone unbeaten men's team in PBC play.

BASKETBALL NEWS & NOTES--PART 3

Our basketball "previews & reviews" wrap up with this installment on the SIAC.

Women: Going into action Jan. 3, Fort Valley State (4-4), and Kentucky State (3-4) shared the SIAC lead with identical 2-0 records, while Tuskegee (2-4) sits just a half game out of first place at 1-0. Miles (6-2, 3-1) is also in the thick of the regular season title race, while Lane (3-2), Clark Atlanta (4-3), and Albany State (3-5), all have identical 1-1 records in league action.

Men: Defending regular season champion Benedict (5-1) has picked up where it left off last season, going 3-0 in SIAC play early. But the Tigers have plenty of challengers for this season's title, as Tuskegee (1-4, 1-0), Morehouse (5-2, 2-1), Kentucky State (3-3, 2-1), and Miles (5-4, 3-2) all figure to have a say in who comes out on top by season's end. Defending tournament champion Albany State (3-3, 1-1) also figures to be in the mix for the conference's top spot.

BASKETBALL NEWS & NOTES--PART 2

Our basketball "previews & reviews" continue with an inside look at the Peach Belt Conference.

Preseason Predictions

Women

Men

In-Season Update: Preseason favorite Clayton State (7-3, 2-1) is in a tight race for the regular season title with Lander (7-4, 2-0), Columbus State (5-3, 1-0), and USC Aiken (8-1, 2-1). On the men's side, USCA (9-1) has been the darling of the PBC, going 3-0 in conference play, while rising to a #13 ranking nationally as of Dec. 18.

COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PRESEASON POLL RELEASED

D-II South Nation is well represented in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper NCAA Division II preseason poll, as national runner-up Columbus State starts the 2008 season ranked second behind defending national champion Tampa.

Click here for the complete poll.

BASKETBALL NEWS & NOTES--PART 1

Well, here it is, the first post of a new year! And what better to get it started with some news and notes!

Let's get started by talking some basketball. Yes, it might be late, and roughly halfway through the season. But, like the old saying goes, "better late than never".

We'll start with the preseason predictions by conference, women and men, beginning with the Gulf South Conference.

Preseason Predictions

GSC Women

GSC Men

In-Season Update: In women's action, Valdosta State (12-1) is currently ranked ninth in the nation, and winners of seven straight contests as this post was being made. West Georgia (11-2)
is the only other team in the GSC East with a winning record. In the West, four teams; Delta State (9-0), Christian Brothers (10-1), Arkansas Tech (9-2), and Harding (9-2) have nine or more wins going into the New Year.

On the men's side, preseason favorite Montevallo (5-7) has struggled, as the Falcons have lost four straight games. West Georgia (6-4) has lost three games in row since starting the season 6-1. Arkansas Tech (8-3) has the best overall record in the West as of Jan. 1.

CATCHING UP--12/26/2007

Believe it or not, it's been two months since the last post. Here's a short version of what has happened since then.

VOLLEYBALL

Gulf South Conference

West Georgia wins first-ever volleyball championship

NCAA Division II Volleyball Tournament Bracket

Peach Belt Conference

USC Aiken advances to NCAA volleyball regional

SIAC

Albany State wins seventh straight tournament title

WOMEN'S SOCCER

Peach Belt Conference

Columbus State falls to Tampa in national quarterfinals

Penalty kicks ended the Lady Cougars season against the eventual national champion Spartans n mid-Noveember.

Article courtesy of Columbus State University Sports Information

NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Bracket

MEN'S SOCCER

Gulf South Conference

The University of Montevallo Falcons reach the D-II Final Four, but fall short of the title match after losing to Lincoln Memorial.

Article courtesy of University of Montevallo Sports Information