AU Hoop Teams in Regional Rankings
January 19, 2006

The NCAA released its first regional rankings of the season on Wednesday (Jan. 18) and both Ashland University basketball teams were included in those select groups.

The AU women’s team is ranked eighth in the region. The Eagles have won four consecutive games and are 10-7. In GLIAC play, Ashland is 5-2 and tied for first in the South Division.

The top eight teams in the region at season’s end will advance to the NCAA regional playoffs. AU has made that trip once before – in 2003-04.

Drury (12-1) is the top team in the region and Lake Superior State (12-3) is listed second. Lewis (9-4) is third, Grand Valley State (14-3) is fourth and Northern Kentucky (9-3) is fifth. Missouri-Rolla (10-3) holds onto the sixth slot and Michigan Tech (10-4) is seventh. Just behind Ashland is Quincy (8-4). Earlier this season the Eagles downed the Lady Hawks at Kates Gymnasium, 75-66.

The AU men’s team is ninth in this week’s regional rankings. AU is 13-4, 5-2 in GLIAC play. Saint Joseph’s is the top-ranked team in the region at 14-1. Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (9-3) is second, Southern Indiana (14-2) is third and Northern Kentucky (9-4) is fourth.

The first GLIAC to appear in the rankings – Findlay (14-2) – is fifth. Ferris State (10-6) is sixth and Grand Valley State (13-3) is seventh. The eighth spot in the region belongs to Drury (6-5).

Just behind AU is Wisconsin-Parkside (7-4).