Lady Jackets Debut in Regional Poll (2/1/06)

BILLINGS, MT – After winning a school-record 12 consecutive games—nine of them against in-region opponents—the Montana State-Billings women’s basketball team has finally made an appearance in the NCAA South Central Region top 10 poll.  The Lady Yellowjackets, 13-4 overall and 9-3 against regional teams, are ranked sixth this week after having not been ranked for the first two polls of the season.  The top eight teams in the season’s final poll qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

MSU Billings defeated St. Edward’s University, 78-64, on Saturday to take over sole possession of first place in the Heartland Conference.  The Yellowjackets now control their own destiny for the Heartland Conference title with a one-game lead over Oklahoma Panhandle State and a game and a half lead over St. Edward’s.

The defending national champion, Washburn University, is ranked atop the South Central Region poll.  Washburn is followed by Emporia State and West Texas A&M.  Those three teams are ranked No. 1, No. 3, and No. 18 in the nation respectively.

The Yellowjackets will host Lincoln University on Friday and Saturday at Alterowitz Gymnasium.  Both games tip off at 6:00 p.m.  Friday’s game will be a Heartland Conference game while Saturday’s will be a non-conference regional counter.

NCAA South Central Region Poll (through games of 1/29/06)
#  Team                          DII Record          In-Region Record
1. Washburn                     17-0                 14-0
2. Emporia State                16-1                 12-1
3. West Texas A&M            15-3                 12-3
4. Northeastern State         12-6                 10-6
5. Missouri Western St.         9-6                   6-6
6. Mont. St.-Billings             13-4                  9-3
7. Cameron                         11-8                11-8
8. Angelo State                   14-5                13-5
9. Tarleton State                 13-5                11-5
10. Texas A&M Commerce       9-5                  9-5