Yellowjackets Ranked Ninth in First Regional Poll (Jan. 5, 2004)

BILLINGS, MT – The Montana State-Billings men’s basketball team is ranked No. 9 in the first NCAA West Region poll of the season.  The Yellowjackets, now 8-2, were 8-1 at the time at the poll.  The NCAA regional poll determines the participants and seeding of the NCAA Tournament.  The top eight teams in each region qualify for the tournament. 

The Great Northwest Athletic Conference dominated the first poll with the top three teams.  Western Washington is No. 1, followed by Alaska-Fairbanks and Seattle Pacific.  Pacific West Conference opponent Hawaii-Hilo is ranked No. 4, and Chaminade is No. 8.  Chaminade defeated the Yellowjackets on Tuesday.  MSU Billings plays at Hawaii-Hilo on Thursday and Saturday.

NCAA West Region Poll (through games of January 2, 2005)
1. Western Washington (10-1)
2. Alaska-Fairbanks (8-3)
3. Seattle Pacific (10-2)
4. Hawaii-Hilo (12-1)
5. Chico State (6-3)
6. Cal State-San Bernardino (7-1)
7. Humboldt State (8-2)
8. Chaminade (7-4)
9. Montana State-Billings (8-1)
10. Sonoma State (5-4)