Second Regional Rankings Released

Wanted to also touch on the second round of regional rankings that were released yesterday by D3Hoops.com and here's how the all-important West Region stands right now:


1.  UST                                             24-0  17-0
2.  Puget Sound                                23-1  15-0
3.  GAC                                           23-1  16-1
4.  Wartburg                                     22-2  14-1
5.  Whitman                                     20-3  11-3
6.  Bethel                                         20-4  15-2
7.  George Fox                                 19-4  11-3
8.  Claremont-Mudd-Scripps           16-8  12-3


Only change entry-wise is the emergence of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps out of the SCIAC into the eighth spot replacing CSB which fell out.  The first five teams all appear to be in great shape NCAA Tournament-wise as all continue to take care of business.  UST clinched at least a share of the MIAC regular season title - and the all-important number one seed in the upcoming MIAC Playoffs this next week by virtue of its win over SMU last night and Puget Sound has a firm grasp on the NWC regular season title as well.  Ditto for Wartburg in the IIAC as they've already wrapped up the number one seed in the IIAC Playoffs.  So the only real questions right now seem to surround both Bethel and George Fox and if they can garner enough wins over ranked opponents that might give them an edge when it comes to NCAA Tournament selection time.  The Bruins get that shot this Saturday night when they travel up to Walla Walla, Washington to take on NWC rival Whitman which will be a huge game for both teams while Bethel will finish up the regular season hosting St. Kate's in a 3:00 P.M. contest over at Robertson Center.  In my mind, if Bethel closes out the regular season with a win and also wins their MIAC Quarterfinal Playoff against an opponent to be determined, that SHOULD be enough to get them in with 22 wins but again, the lack of wins against ranked and/or opponents over .500 could hurt them.