Winston Salem State vs. #7 Indiana (Pa.)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Winston-Salem State University Rams will take on the #7 Indiana (Pa.) Crimson Hawks in the opening round of the 2020 NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament. The Rams will enter the tournament at the eighth seed and will take on top-seeded Indiana (Pa.) Crimson Hawks.
After claiming the 2020 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s Basketball Championship, the Rams were awarded an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II postseason tournament. The Rams were awarded the eighth seed in the tournament after going 19-10 this season, including winning a share of the 2019-20 CIAA Southern Division championship as well. The trip to the post-season will be the Rams’ first since the 2013 season when the team took a 69-67 loss to Slippery Rock in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament.
The Rams will have their hands full as they will take on the nationally-ranked top-seeded Indiana (Pa.) Crimson Hawks. The Crimson Hawks will enter the post-season after claiming their second straight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship and posting a 28-2 record this season. The defense has been the calling card for both teams as the Rams and Crimson Hawks are both ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense. The Rams are currently ranked seventh in the nation, allowing just 64.4 points per game while the Crimson Hawks are ranked ninth, allowing 65.3 points per game.
The Rams and the Crimson Hawks are scheduled to face off on Friday, March 13th at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex in Center in Indiana, Pa. The time for the game will be announced later this week.
Courtesy: WSSU Athletics
Virginia State vs West Liberty
ETTRICK, VA – The 2020 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Selection Show confirmed on Sunday night that the VSU Trojans Men’s Basketball team has an extended season as they are ranked 7th in the NCAA DII Atlantic Region.
The playoffs will be split between no. 1 Indiana (PA) and no.2 West Liberty due to scheduling of the women’s regional ranking.
The Trojans will travel to West Liberty, WV to face the West Liberty Hilltoppers on March 14.
Despite the Trojans loss in the quarterfinals of the 2020 CIAA Basketball Tournament on February 26, the teams early-season victories over East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg not only helped propel VSU to a 19-9 overall record but helped them maintain their no. 7 regional ranking.
Under the leadership of head coach Lonnie Blow, Jr, the Trojans marked several milestones thus far for the 2020 season. Along with claiming the CIAA Northern Division Title, VSU made program history by gaining their 2000th win, along with Coach Blow securing his 200th career victory. Also this season, 5th year senior Walter Williams earned his 1000th career point since beginning his collegiate stint with the Trojans.
Courtesy: VSU Athletics
