Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Claflin, Virginia State and Morehouse Ranked in Top 20, NABC Division II Men's Basketball Poll


ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- For the first time this season, the Claflin University men's basketball team has broken into the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) NCAA Division II Top 25 Rankings. The Panthers debuted at the #20 spot in the nation in the poll released Tuesday, Jan. 16.

The Virginia State University men's basketball team has secured the 12th spot in the poll with a 15-1 season record. The Trojans (15-1, 5-1 CIAA) have currently secured three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association victories over Winston-Salem State University (78-73), Livingstone College (72-65), and Virginia Union University (82-72).

The undefeated Morehouse College Maroon Tigers (15-0) continue to rise in regional and national polls and in conference standings. With the 75-70 win over Albany State, Saturday, the Maroon Tigers broke the previous mark of 14 consecutive wins, which was last achieved in the 2012-13 season. Morehouse rose to #14 in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches poll – up six spots from #20 last week. This is the first time the Maroon Tigers have cracked the NABC TOP 25 since the 1994-95 Morehouse team climbed to #15.

"This is a testament to the work the guys have put in all season," Claflin head coach Ricky Jackson said. "We appreciate the voters' confidence in us, but there is still a lot of basketball left. I would like to thank our President, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, the Claflin University family -- especially the student body -- and the community for their continued support."

Claflin is ranked 5th in the South Region of the Men's Basketball Division II Media Regional Poll, sponsored by D2SIDA.

In addition, the Panthers are ranked third in NCAA Division II in field goal percentage defense, holding their opponents to 37% shooting, fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 62.3 points per outing and 5th in win-loss percentage at 94.4%.

Claflin will face Morehouse College, who is ranked 14th in the NABC NCAA Division II Top 25 Rankings, this Saturday at 3 p.m. in Atlanta, Ga.

The Maroon Tigers also moved up in both poll conducted by D2SIDA. In the NCAA Division II sports information directors association's poll, Morehouse is ranked at #18, in the national poll, and at #2, in the South Region poll.

The Virginia State University men's basketball team has secured the 2nd place spot in the D2SIDA Atlantic Men's Basketball Poll released yesterday.

CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY PANTHERS ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

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