INDIANAPOLIS, IN. -The NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee has released this week’s Division II men’s basketball regional rankings, and the men's basketball team has been ranked seventh in the East Region in the opening polls.
The Deacons currently sit at 12-3 overall and a perfect 7-0 in CACC play, but they're sterling East Region record of 12-2 has garnered them the number seven ranking in the first polls of the 09'-10' season. Bentley University sits atop the East Region with a 16-2 mark, followed by Stonehill who currently holds a record of 15-3.
Merrimack University placed third in the rankings, followed by Adelphi University at number four. UMass-Lowell finished fifth in the polls with a 12-6 mark, and Saint Anselm College, who were defeated by the Deacons 77-73 on December 10, finish just in front of Bloomfield at number six. CACC rival Philadelphia University comes in at number eight in the polls with a record of 13-6, and Southern New Hampshire University and fellow CACC club Felician College round out the top ten.
"This is a positive step towards our goal of reaching the NCAA Tournament," head coach Gerald Holmes said. "Our guys have worked extremely hard all year and have gotten off to a great start, so it's nice to see them getting recognition from the NCAA for their outstanding play so far this season. Hopefully we can keep the momentum we have going, and continue to stay in the regional rankings throughout the rest of the season."
The team returns to the hardwood Saturday, January 30 when they travel to face Goldey Beacon College in a road CACC contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM.