FHSU Athletics
INDIANAPOLIS – Fort Hays State men's basketball was slotted fifth in the latest NCAA Central Region Rankings, released on Wednesday. This week rankings were assigned to teams after the first release just lists teams under consideration alphabetically. The list of 10 teams can change week-to-week as future results affect the formulas for consideration.
Fort Hays State remains in good shape, sitting at 21-6 overall. In the formula used for the NCAA Region Rankings, the Tigers are 18-6 overall since their three games against NAIA opponents are not factored in.
According to the report for the Central Region linked at the bottom of the region rankings page on NCAA.com, Fort Hays State has the fifth-best In-Region RPI and Division II Performance Indicator values in the Central Region. Minnesota State owns the highest In-Region RPI and Performance Indicator values, while Northwest Missouri State is second-best in both, MSU Moorhead is third-best in both, and Minnesota Duluth is fourth-best in both.
The Tigers are seeking their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since the 2015-16 season after nearly missing an at-large selection each of the last two years when they won 23 and 21 games respectively.
Eight teams from the Central Region will be selected to compete in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament following the conclusion of conference tournaments. The region consists of teams from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and Great American Conference. Champions from each of the three conference tournaments within the region will receive automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has seven teams listed in the region rankings, while FHSU and Northwest Missouri State represent the MIAA and Southeastern Oklahoma State represents the Great American Conference (GAC).
2024 NCAA DII Central Region Rankings - February 28
School • Overall DII Record • In-Region Record
1. Minnesota State • 23-2 • 23-2
2. Northwest Missouri State • 21-4 • 21-3
3. MSU Moorhead • 24-4 • 24-4
4. Minnesota Duluth • 23-5 • 23-5
5. Fort Hays State • 18-6 • 18-6
6. Minot State • 18-8 • 18-8
7. Southwest Minnesota State • 17-11 • 17-11
8. Winona State • 18-9 • 18-9
9. Augustana (S.D.) • 16-10 • 16-10
10. Southeastern Oklahoma State • 19-7 • 18-7