INDIANAPOLIS — The Wayne State women remained first and the University of Nebraska at Kearney men were 10th in the Central Region rankings released Wednesday.
The rankings determine the 64-team NCAA Division II tournaments in March. The top eight from each region advance.
The third-ranked Wildcats are 24-2 overall and have a 23-2 record against NCAA Division II teams and a similar record within the Central Region.
Wayne State closes out the regular season on the road this weekend, visiting Minnesota Crookston Friday at 6 p.m. and MSU Moorhead on Saturday at 4. The Wildcats need one win to clinch a second straight NSIC regular-season title.
After two wins over the weekend, UNK now has a 14-9 Division II record. RMAC-member Colorado School of Mines (21-2) leads the region and is in line to host the regional March 10 to 13. An RMAC school hasn't hosted this event in seven years.
Winona State (20-2) had 13 of its wins recently nullified by the NSIC due to the use of an ineligible player. The Warriors are still eligible to play in the NSIC tournament, where the winner receives an automatic bid to the NCAA's. WSU, at this time, could also receive one of the six at-large bids to the Central regional.
UNK closes out the regular season Saturday night at Chadron State (12-13) and then plays an RMAC tournament first-round game next Tuesday.
The Central Region rankings:
Men: 1, Colorado Mines 21-2. 2, Winona State 20-3. 3, Metro State 20-5. 4, St. Cloud State 16-6. 5, MSU-Moorhead 15-6. 6, Bemidji State 18-7. 7, SW Minnesota State 15-8. 8, Adams State 14-6. 9, Augustana 14-9. 10, UNK 14-9.
Women: 1, Wayne State 23-2. 2, Metro State 22-2. 3, Augustana (S.D.) 17-5. 4, Fort Lewis 19-4. 5, Colorado State-Pueblo 19-5. 6, Mary 15-8. 7, Minnesota-Duluth 15-8. 8, Minnesota State-Mankato 14-9. 9, Winona St. 13-9. 10, Minnesota State-Moorhead 13-9.
Bearcats slip in rankings
MARYVILLE, Mo. — After back-to-back losses for the first time this season, Northwest Missouri State fell to No. 7 in the South Central Regional rankings released Wednesday.
The top eight from each region advance to the NCAA Division II tournament.
The NCAA Division II basketball selection shows will air March 4 on NCAA.com. The women's show will air at 9 and the men's show will follow at 9:30 p.m.
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