AASU Volleyball wins Peach Belt tournament

Press release courtesy of Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information

PBC TOURNAMENT CHAMPS! Pirates Blank FMU, 3-0, For Title

PEMBROKE, N.C. - The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyball squad defeated Francis Marion, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon to capture the 2008 Peach Belt Conference Volleyball Tournament championship at the English E. Jones Center in Pembroke, N.C. Game scores were: 25-16, 25-20, 25-18.

Freshman Torrie Bevolo led the way for the Pirates (25-6) with a match-high 13 kills, 15 digs and four blocks, earning PBC Tournament MVP honors. Senior Rindy Vidovich, earlier in the weekend crowned the 2008 PBC Player of the Year, earned All-PBC Tournament honors as well as she collected 12 kills and 13 digs on the afternoon. Sophomore Gwen Clarke hit .385 with 10 kills and was AASU's third honoree on the All-Tournament team.

Sophomore Hannah Segebart tallied 43 assists and freshman libero Casey Howett notched a match-high 16 digs as well for AASU. Francis Marion was led by All-PBC Tournament honoree Amanda Mitchell, who notched nine kills, libero Kelsie Deaton's 15 digs and setter Jenna Kaiser's 23 assists.

The first set was a nip-and-tuck affair until junior Marina Marinova went back to serve at 13-13. Marinova ripped off 10 straight points on her service as the Pirates built a large lead and closed out the first set, 25-16. Set number two was also nip-and-tuck as FMU led 20-18 on a kill by Jenna Kaiser, but AASU ended the match with seven straight kills, five from Clarke, to take the set 25-20.

AASU closed out the match in set three behind Vidovich, who collected six kills, none more emphatic than the one she delivered on match point.

For the Pirates, it was just their second PBC Tournament title, but for head coach Will Condon, it was his third straight league tournament crown as he led USC Aiken to the 2006 and 2007 titles. Prior to this season, AASU's only tournament title came in the 2002 season.

AASU now will advance to the NCAA Southeast Regional as the automatic bid recipient from the PBC. It is the Pirates' first appearance in the NCAA Championships since 2004 and the sixth overall appearance in school history.

Fall Sports Update--November 14, 2008

The regular season is over. Postseason play has arrived for the fall sports in D-II South Nation. In fact, NCAA tournament action is already underway in both men's and women's soccer respectively, as well as conference tournament play in volleyball.

NCAA Division II Women's Soccer

The Peach Belt Conference is well represented in the Southeast Regional, as three teams, including No. 1 seed, have advanced to the big dance in D-II. Georgia College & State University makes its first-ever NCAA appearance, while UNC Pembroke also looks to make a big splash!

In the South bracket, the University of West Florida is the lone team from D-II South Nation to earn a berth in the NCAA tournament, as all of the other squads come from the Sunshine State Conference.

Women's Soccer Bracket

NCAA Division II Men's Soccer

It's been a rough postseason for D-II South Nation teams so far, as Montevallo was shut out by Tampa in the South Regional bracket, Francis Marion got by Carson-Newman in a thriller, and Lander's season ended in heartbreaking fashion.

Men's Soccer Bracket (Interactive)

Men's Soccer Bracket (Printable)

Volleyball

Gulf South Conference Tournament

Nationally ranked (#15 AVCA) West Florida is the favorite to win the GSC title.

Bracket

Tournament Home Page

Peach Belt Conference Tournament

After one of the most competitive regular seasons in recent memory, Armstrong Atlantic State (23-6, 8-2 PBC) has emerged as the top seed out of six teams heading into this weekend.

Tournament Home Page

SIAC Tournament

Albany State took its first step towards its eighth straight conference title, as the Lady Rams swept Paine in three games.

Updated Tournament Bracket

2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--Gulf South Conference Men

Our preseason basketball previews wrap up with the look at the men's squads in the Gulf South Conference.

EAST DIVISION

1. North Alabama

2. Valdosta State

3. West Georgia

4. Montevallo

5. Alabama-Huntsville

6. West Alabama

7. West Florida

WEST DIVISION

1. Christian Brothers

2. Ouachita Baptist

3. Harding

4. Delta State

5. Arkansas Tech

6. Arkansas-Monticello

7. Southern Arkansas

8. Henderson State

Analysis: With nine lettermen, including three starters, returning from last season's Elite Eight team, look for UNA (27-9 in 2007-08) to be the hunted in the GSC East once again this winter. In the West, Christian Brothers is expected to be in a dogfight with Harding and Ouachita Baptist for the division crown.

2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--Gulf South Conference Women

Another preseason basketball preview is on the way, as the women's teams in the Gulf South Conference are next to be profiled.

EAST DIVISION

1. West Georgia

2. Valdosta State

3. North Alabama

4. West Alabama

5. West Florida

6. Montevallo

7. Alabama-Huntsville

WEST DIVISION

1. Delta State

2. Arkansas Tech

3. Harding

4. Christian Brothers

5. Arkansas-Monticello

6. Henderson State

7. Southern Arkansas

8. Ouachita Baptist

Analysis: Despite losing four starters from a squad that finished 33-1 overall, and in the NCAA Division II Final Four last season, the Lady Statesmen were picked by the coaches to once again rule the roost in the GSC, although Arkansas Tech might give DSU a run for its money. In the East, the road to the title might go through Carrollton, Ga., as the West Georgia is the preseason favorite to win that division. But don't count out Valdosta State, whose Lady Blazers finished a solid 26-6--and advanced to the NCAA tournament to boot--in 2007-08.

2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--SIAC Men

The preseason basketball predictions continue with a look at the men's teams in the SIAC.

1. Benedict

2. Claflin

3. LeMoyne-Owen

4. Fort Valley State

5. Albany State

6. Clark Atlanta

7. Morehouse

8. Paine

9. Lane

10. Miles

11. Stillman

12. Tuskegee

13. Kentucky State

Analysis: After losing last season's South Regional final to North Alabama, the Benedict Tigers (28-5 in 2007-08) hope to take the next step, and advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight this season. But their biggest challenge to repeating as both SIAC regular season and tournament champions, respectively, might come a few miles down the road in Orangeburg, S.C. That's where the newcomer Claflin University Panthers are located, as they begin their first season in the SIAC. The Panthers, though, aren't the typical newcomers to a brand-new conference, as they finished 24-2 last season.

2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--SIAC Women

Our preseason previews continue with a look at the women's teams in the SIAC.

1. Fort Valley State

2. Tuskegee

3. Kentucky State

4. Claflin

5. Albany State

6. Miles

7. Paine

8. Lane

9. Clark Atlanta

10. LeMoyne-Owen

11. Benedict

12. Stillman

Analysis: Take any of these 12 teams, and draw them out of hat. The bottom line here is that any team in the SIAC can beat the other on any given night. And that certainly seems to be the case this season. While NCAA tournament participants Kentucky State and Tuskegee look to do battle for top honors in the regular season once again, don't count out Fort Valley State as a serious contender either. And don't be surprised if league newcomer Claflin (20-6) make things interesting between now and March.

2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--Peach Belt Conference Men

After a hiatus of a little over a week, the preseason thoughts on NCAA Division II basketball in the Southeast continue on D-II South Sports. This installment features what's likely to be a tight regular season men's race in the Peach Belt Conference.

1. USC Aiken

2. Augusta State

3. GC&SU

4. Clayton State

5. Armstrong Atlantic State

6. Francis Marion

7. Georgia Southwestern State

8. Columbus State

9. North Georgia

10. Lander

11. UNC Pembroke

Analysis: With four of five starters returning from last season NCAA Tournament, USC Aiken is the team to beat going into this season. But don't count out defending national runner-up Augusta State, as the Jaguars bring back field goal percentage leader Garrett Siler, as well as all-conference Ben Madgen. From there, it's anybody's guess as to who will finish third or lower in the PBC. That includes defending conference tourney champion Clayton State, whose Lakers overcame a sluggish regular season to earn the Peach Belt's autobid to the NCAA D-II dance, losing to ASU in the South Atlantic regional semifinals.

Rowland's shot lifts GCSU over Mercer

It was only an exhibition game, but a late basket helped the NCAA Division II Georgia College & State University men's basketball team knock off the NCAA Division I Mercer University Bears in Macon, Ga. Thursday.

Article courtesy of the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph

Barksdale steps down as Georgia Southwestern A.D.

After nearly three decades in intercollegiate athletics, Randolph Barksdale is stepping down. The former men's basketball head coach resigned as the athletics director at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga. Thursday.

Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald

2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--Peach Belt Conference Women

Welcome to the 2008-09 D-II South Sports preseason basketball previews. The road to "March Madness" starts here. Here are the preseason predictions for the women's teams in the Peach Belt Conference.

D-II South Sports Prediction--Peach Belt Conference Women

1. USC Aiken

2. Clayton State

3. Francis Marion

4. GC&SU

5. Columbus State

6. North Georgia

7. Lander

8. UNC Pembroke

9. Augusta State

10. Armstrong Atlantic State

11. Georgia Southwestern State

Analysis: After a season where five, yes, five teams shared the Peach Belt Conference regular season title, what does someone do for an encore? Well, how about another campaign filled with potential unpredictability. USC Aiken begins the season ranked No. 19 in the nation, while Clayton State starts at No. 21. The Lady Pacers, as well as Columbus State, get strong early season tests this weekend, as they open the 2008-09 campaign at the Disney Division II Tip Off Classic at Orlando, Fla.

Fall Sports Update--Soccer

Like the old saying goes, "it's late, but better late than never".

As the regular season winds down, and conference tournament play heats up, let's take a brief at how the postseason pairings are shaping up in soccer.

Gulf South Women: It's been a two-team race between West Florida (7-0 GSC) and Montevallo (6-0-1 GSC) all season long. It all comes down to one match on Friday, Oct. 31, between the Falcons and the Argonauts, who are currently ranked No. 2 in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll.

Gulf South Men: The race for the GSC men's regular season title also has involved UWF and UM, as the Falcons will put their perfect 5-0 conference mark on the line against the Argonauts, who are ranked 18th in the NSCAA poll. Christian Brothers is 4-1 in GSC games, with one match remaining against Alabama-Huntsville (Oct. 29).

Peach Belt Women: The PBC is well represented in the national ranking, with Columbus State ranked fourth, UNC Pembroke ninth, and Georgia College & State University 21st. A win over either Georgia Southwestern State or GC&SU would all but wrap up the top seed for the upcoming PBC tournament.

Peach Belt Men: Francis Marion and Lander both carry identical 4-0-1 PBC records into Saturday's regular season finale, with the winner earning the top seed in next week's conference tournament. A third team, Clayton State, completed conference play unbeaten, at 3-0-3.

West Florida Volleyball upsets #2 Tampa

The University of West Florida volleyball team further established itself as one of the premier NCAA Division II programs in the nation with a three-set sweep over second ranked Tampa Saturday.

University of West Florida Sports Information

COMING SOON!!!!

THE 2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AASU Soccer, Volleyball get weekend wins

Source: Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information

Pétursdóttir Puts In Overtime Winner In 2-1 Pirate Victory

MORROW, Ga. - Freshman Þórdís Pétursdóttir delivered the game-winner inovertime as the Armstrong Atlantic State women's soccer team won itsPeach Belt Conference opener, 2-1, over host Clayton State on Saturdayevening in Morrow, Ga.

The Pirates (4-2-1, 1-0 PBC) - playing an 11-on-9 advantage after Clayton State had its second player sent off with a red card in the closing moments of the first overtime period - finally broke through inthe 104th minute as junior Kristin Burton's cross found the foot of Pétursdóttir, who beat Laker goalkeeper Whitney Jowers for the winner.

Burton opened the scoring in the match in the 29th minute as sheconverted a penalty kick to put the Pirates up, 1-0. Clayton State (0-7,0-1 PBC) equalized in the 59th minute as Caitlin Clark drilled a shotfrom 35 yards out to tie things up at 1-1. The score would remaindeadlocked at 1-all at the end of regulation, despite the Pirates holding a 22-5 edge in shots.

AASU held the Lakers without a shot in the overtimes, while registering six in the first overtime and two in the second. The Pirates also enjoyed a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Pirate goalkeeper Tracey Mitchell played the entire match in net forAASU, giving up the lone goal and facing just five shots. Laker starting goalkeeper Chelsea Bettis played 62 minutes, making seven saves and giving up one goal. Jowers played 42 minutes and made two saves.

Burton finished the night with nine shots, four on goal, including thepenalty kick that was her PBC-leading sixth goal of the season. Eleven different Pirates notched shots on the night and the win was the first for AASU on the road this season in four matches.

AASU returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 24, as the Pirates host No.8-ranked UNC Pembroke at 5:00 p.m. at AT&T Field.

--

Pirates Down Fort Valley State, 3-1, In Volleyball

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyball squad won itsthird straight match with a 3-1 win over visiting Fort Valley State onSaturday afternoon in Savannah. Game scores were: 25-11, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17.

The Pirates (10-4) jumped out to a quick lead after the first two gamesby hitting .486 against the Wildcats (6-6), but Fort Valley State rebounded to take game three with a 15-kill, .313 percentage performance. AASU closed out the match in a tight fourth game, thanks in large part to Wildcat service errors - Fort Valley State had 16 serviceerrors in the match and five in the fourth game alone.

Junior Michele Remlinger hit .421 with 10 kills to lead the Pirates offensively, while freshman Casie Richards added 10 kills and threeblocks. Junior setter Hannah Segebart tallied 28 assists and freshman Casey Howett notched 11 digs.Fort Valley State was led by Raven WynnRynn's match-high 14 kills, while Sheriann Norris added 24 assists, seven kills and seven digs.

The Pirates collected 11 service aces in the match and both teamsrecorded six team blocks.AASU returns to action on Tuesday, September 23, with a 7:00 p.m. match against in-state rival West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga.

GSW soccer fighting growing pains

Here it is, the 500th post at D-II South Sports! The Georgia Southwestern State University soccer programs are struggling to adjust to the competition in the Peach Belt Conference, as both the Hurricanes and Lady Hurricanes begin their first full year of membership at the NCAA Division II level.

Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald.

2008 Fall Sports Preview--SIAC Volleyball

Our 2008 fall sports preview wraps up with a preview of SIAC volleyball.

Article: Volleyball Preseason All Conference Team Announced (courtesy of the SIAC)

Analysis: The Albany State University Lady Rams will look to win the SIAC championship for the eighth straight year, as well as another such appearance in the NCAA tournament. Preseason all-conference first teamer Rachel Anderson hopes to lead her team to yet one more postseason trip.
In the West, Kendra Joseph and Ramona Douglas hope to lead Kentucky State to the top.

Lady Cougars Post Shutout in Season Opener at Barry

Source: Columbus State University Sports Information

Miami Shores, FL - Columbus State scratched out two first-half goals and then rode its customary strong defense the rest of the way Friday in a season-opening 2-0 win over Barry University. CSU, ranked #5 in the NFCA Division II preseason poll, will conclude its Florida road trip with a game at Rollins College on Sunday.

Host Barry controlled possession early in the contest, but CSU mounted a run in the ninth minute and a crossing pass from Kellie Myles found the head of Jill Walthall in the box and the sophomore poked the shot past Buccaneer keeper Sami Cromartie for a 1-0 lead.

The Lady Cougars got a second goal in the 16th minute when Cromartie could not control a ball in the box. Stephanie Parris was there to collect the loose ball and booted into the empty net for a 2-0 lead. That score would stand the rest of the way as CSU relied on its defense to post the shutout.

The best scoring opportunity for Barry came in the 18th minute as Michelle Tarasiuk slipped a shot past Monica Sanchez, but defender Sarah Hawkins was on the spot to sweep the shot away near the goal for an empty net save. Sanchez played the first half in goal and posted two saves, while Kelly Nimmo took over in the second half and collected four saves to preserve the shutout win.

"It was not that pretty, but a win is good any way you get it," said CSU coach Jay Entlich. "It hurt us to not have had a preseason scrimmage to get game experience. It was sort of like a football team practicing in shorts and then putting on the pads to play a game - that first hit gives you a jolt. We were fortunate enough to get a couple of goals and come away with a win."

CSU committed 15 fouls in the game, including one yellow card issued to Hawkins in the 74th minute. Barry had eight fouls and picked up two yellow cards in the first half. CSU led in corner kicks by a 6-5 count.

CSU (1-0) returns to action on Sunday as they stop over in Winter Park, FL, to face Rollins College at noon.

2008 Fall Sports Preview--Peach Belt Conference

Our 2008 fall sports previews continues with the outlook on the Peach Belt Conference. So, what are waiting for? Let's get started!

Volleyball: Despite a second place finish (6-4 in 2007) in PBC play last year, Lander was selected to finish first out of six teams in this year's regular season race. Armstrong Atlantic State and two-time defending regular season and tournament champion USC Aiken also figure to find themselves in the mix for the top spot in PBC volleyball in 2008.

BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008

Women's Soccer: Columbus State (20-3-2 overall in 2007) is coming off the best season in the program's four-year history, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II tournament, and bring back seven starters that look to go even further this season. Armstrong Atlantic State (14-5-1) looks to be a strong challenger to the Lady Cougars supremacy, as the Lady Pirates lose only three starters from the squad that has finished in the PBC standings two years in a row.

BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008

Men's Soccer: If the vote in the preseason coaches poll is any indication, expect a tight two-way for first place between Clayton State and Lander, as both teams were separated by only one vote. The Lakers lose 10 starters from last year's team, while the Bearcats bring back all league players Aaron Brittain and Jamie Ramm for 2008. Oh, and Lander begins the season ranked 18th nationally.

BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008

2008 Fall Sports Preview--Gulf South Conference

D-II South Sports begins its look at the 2008 fall sports season with an inside look at the volleyball, men's and women's soccer programs in the Gulf South Conference.

Volleyball: For the first time in least the last 12 years, the University of North Alabama isn't a favorite to win the GSC title. Instead, that nod goes to the University of West Florida, whose Argonauts are coming off a successful 26-4 campaign, and was picked to win the East Division in 2008. In the West, Harding is team to beat, as the Lady Bisons hope to win their seventh straight division crown.

Women's Soccer: The UWF women's soccer team is also a favorite to finish on top in the GSC, as the Argonauts return three starters from last year's squad. But defending league champion Montevallo returns eight starters from a year ago, which will make for a very tight race.

Men's Soccer: The preseason pick to win the regular season title in this sport is, you guessed it, the University of West Florida! The Argonauts hope to win their third straight GSC title. But just like on the women's side, the University of Montevallo Falcons expect to give the Argos all they can handle.

UWF volleyball ranked 23rd in AVCA poll

Entering its ninth season of play, the University of West Florida volleyball program begins the 2008 season nationally ranked at No. 23 in the CBS College Sports/American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) NCAA Division II preseason poll.

Click here for the complete rankings (Gulf South Conference via the AVCA).

CSU signs eight

Summer might be winding down, but Columbus State University's recruiting season is wrapping up, as the Cougars signed eight men's basketball players this week.

Article courtesy of Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer

Georgia Southwestern gains full D-II membership

From provisional status to full members.

That was the good news the Georgia Southwestern State University athletics department received recently, as all Hurricane and Lady Hurricane sports received full eligibility for NCAA Division II membership. That means GSW will be eligible for any and all automatic bids to NCAA postseason play.

Article courtesy of Peach Belt Conference

Georgia College Basketball Across The Pond

Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information

For immediate release
June 25, 2008
Contact: Al Weston
gcsu.sid@gcsu.edu
478-445-1779
www.gcsu.edu/bobcats

Georgia College Basketball Across the Pond
GCSU Hall of Famer Julius Joseph has parlayed Bobcat success into a strong professional career in Europe

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – His British accent isn’t the only thing that made Julius Joseph stand out during his three years playing basketball at Georgia College & State University from 1997-2000. The 2008 inductee to the GCSU Athletic Hall of Fame was the first All-American of the NCAA era of Georgia College men’s basketball, reaching Division II Bulletin Honorable Mention All-American status in 2000, a feat only achieved once in the years since by a Bobcat cager.

Joseph was the best player on arguably the best team in program history during that 1999-2000 season, a year when playing as an undersized 6-foot-4 center, he led a balanced Georgia College attack with 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. The Bobcats made it to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, buzzing through the competition with a 25-6 record, tying for the most wins in school history.

“That Elite Eight team was one of the best teams I’ve ever been a part of,” said Joseph. “It seemed that during that season, each guy on the roster helped us win games. If one guy didn’t have it for whatever reason that night, another would step up and get it done.”

With a knack for getting to the line, a sign of a great player, Joseph set the school records in both free-throws made (151) and attempted (202) that season. He’s 10th in GCSU career records with 445 rebounds, second with 305 free-throws made and ninth in free-throw percentage (.753). His 60 double-digit scoring games ranks sixth in school history, and he once scored double-digits in 34 straight games.

“What made Julius so special is his status as a complete player,” said Georgia College head coach Terry Sellers. “He excelled in offense, defense and had all of the intangibles. On top of that, he had the most amazing work ethic. I’ve never coached a player with a stronger desire to improve.”

Add in another All-PBC performer in Earl Grant with 3.8 assists per game and 13.3 points per contest, as well as Mike Jones at 12.0 points and John John Steensland at 11.7 points, and one can see how this was one of the best teams in league history.

The Bobcats were regular-season champs that season, thanks to a 13-3 PBC record. USC Spartansburg ended the team’s run at the conference tournament title with a 72-69 tally. This left the Bobcats with something to prove going into the NCAA South Atlantic Regional Tournament. An 11-point win over Gardner-Webb started the tourney, and Georgia College kept it going with wins over Winston Salem State 72-68 and downed Columbus State 68-62 for the region title. Both Gardner-Webb and Winston Salem State are now Division I programs.

The amazing run came to a close at the hands of Seattle Pacific 77-65, but it couldn’t dampen the excitement of a great season.

Joseph’s Post-Georgia College Success
Next to perhaps baseball’s Milt Hill, who spent seasons in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds, Joseph has had the most successful professional sports career of any Georgia College alumnus.

Joseph started with the Manchester Giants in the English League for one season, moving to Bree in the Belgium League for the next three years. After one season with Naterre in France , Joseph returned to his native England to play with the Scottish Rox of the English League.

He joined the Rox so he could represent the English National Team in the Commonwealth Games, helping his countrymen to a bronze medal in 2006. All told, Joseph has been on the English National squad for 60 games, ranking in the top-20 in the English team’s history.

While with the Rox, Joseph helped the team to an English League finalist spot in 2007 and 2006, including a spot in the final game of the English League Cup in 2007. His stellar 2006 season landed him a spot on the All-English League Team.

With all of his basketball honors, he says the GCSU Athletic Hall of Fame sticks out.

“I was overwhelmed, the magnitude and rarity of the award is extremely important to me. That honor shows how much the school and people at Georgia College appreciated my efforts and the efforts of the special teams I played on.”

From London to Milledgeville Through Hard Work
Sellers ran across Joseph while working as a guest clinician at a basketball camp in Europe . Current UNC Pembroke women’s head coach John Haskins offered Sellers a role in this camp, and he jumped at the chance.

“It was a high-profile camp,” said Sellers, “a great opportunity to work with some solid players and learn from other coaches. Julius was there for two years, and was a solid player.”

Sellers admits that by no means did he look at Joseph then as a player who was going to lead his Bobcats to a region title.

“It was a great opportunity at an education and I couldn’t pass it up,” said Joseph. “Coach Sellers taught me about hard work and overcoming obstacles to get what you want.”

Joseph started out near the end of the bench in his first season, starting just eight of his 28 games and averaging 4.3 points, 2.4 rebounds per contest for his sophomore campaign. In his junior season, he jumped to 17.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, leading the Bobcats to both the regular season and PBC Tournament titles.

“Julius’ improvement from his sophomore to junior season was like none other I’ve seen in my history as a coach,” said Sellers, the now 24-year head coaching veteran. “He just refused to be anything but great.”

“I had a scholarship to play basketball,” said Joseph. “I felt I needed to earn that right to an education. I never wanted to take it for granted.”

Joseph parlays that into great words of advice for every youngster he runs across considering playing basketball at the collegiate level in the United States .

“I tell them to jump at the chance. I’ve learned that things don’t always fall in your lap, and the harder you work the more opportunities will arise. It’s an opportunity for a good education, and a great experience learning the game of basketball. I’m always looking for players to recommend to Coach Sellers.”

Joseph’s successes still surprise his old skipper.

“With his work ethic and the unbelievable improvement he achieved here, I shouldn’t be surprised of his success in the professional leagues in Europe , but I still am. He was not a great athlete. He wasn’t the fastest, or the strongest and didn’t jump the highest. His heart and work ethic more than made up for any deficiencies as well as his sheer will to improve.”

“He was what every coach looks for in a student-athlete. He never took anything for granted, and was just so solid both on the court and off. He was a young man that was just a joy to coach.”

The GCSU Department of Athletics sponsors 10 NCAA Division II athletic programs over three seasons. As a Division II program, GCSU prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the Bobcats’ multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Follow the Bobcats and their positive impact on the Milledgeville community at www.gcsu.edu/bobcats.
###

UM PRESIDENT: PBC BETTER FIT THAN GSC

There's more to the University of Montevallo's decision last week to apply for potential membership in the Peach Conference than meets the eye. That's according to the Birmingham (Ala.) News.

MORE

Analysis: As mentioned in a previous post, Montevallo's decision to apply for membership in the PBC really comes as no surprise, given the fact that UM is one of just four current GSC schools without football (the others being Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, and West Florida; see corrected blog entry below). Don't be surprised if one of the other remaining non-football schools decide to follow suit, and try to join Montevallo in the PBC.

MONTEVALLO APPLIES FOR PBC MEMBERSHIP

Goodbye, Gulf South Conference! Hello, Peach Belt Conference? Well, maybe! The University of Montevallo (Ala.) hopes to make the upcoming 2008-09 academic year their last in the GSC.
If approved, the move to the PBC becomes effective in the fall of 2009.

Article courtesy of University of Montevallo Sports Information

Analysis: The move to the PBC from the GSC probably should come as no surprise for UM, as it's one of the few schools in the latter conference without a football program. While it joins the likes of Columbus State, Georgia College & State University, Augusta State, and other schools in the PBC, the biggest drawback could be that Montevallo would become the first, and only, PBC member school in the Central Time Zone, as well as the state of Alabama.

(Blog entry corrected/updated July 2, 2008)

OUACHITA BAPTIST LOSES D-II BASEBALL TITLE BID

Believe it or not, the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University (Ark.) played for a national championship in NCAA Division II baseball. But they lost out to a team from North Carolina. Find out who it is by clicking the link above.

Article courtesy of NCAA.com

D2SS ON HIATUS

D-II South Sports will be on hiatus indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances. In the meantime, go to the following websites for further information by clicking the links below:

Gulf South Conference

Peach Belt Conference

SIAC

NCAA.com

AUGUSTA STATE FALLS IN TITLE GAME

The Augusta State University Jaguars quest for their first-ever NCAA Division II men's basketball championship fell by the wayside against Winona State (Minn.) Saturday.

The Jaguars blew a 16-point first-half lead en route to an 87-76 loss to the Warriors in the Division II title game at Springfield, Mass. Augusta State finished the 2007-08 campaign at 27-7 with the loss to Winona State.

MORE--Courtesy of NCAA.com

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.