(Jan. 27) -- Washburn remains as the top-ranked team for the sixth consecutive week in the latest NABC/Division II, but the first regular season loss suffered by Daemen in nearly two years and setbacks for three other top 10 teams last week has shuffled the rankings heading into the final week of January.
Daemen’s loss to Gannon – who moved up to seventh as a result of that victory last Wednesday – moved Nova Southeastern up to second; the Sharks recorded a 21-point win over then-No. 4 Palm Beach Atlantic Saturday to vault to the second spot. The third-ranked team this week is Cal State East Bay, who is at its highest point ever in a national poll as it remained as one of two undefeated teams in NCAA Division II.
Daemen fell to fourth as the result of its loss, while Anderson – who picked up a win over a ranked team last week as well with a road win over Lenoir-Rhyne – moved up to fifth. The next five spots are occupied by Michigan Tech, Gannon, Palm Beach Atlantic, Lubbock Christian and Northern Michigan, giving the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference two teams in the top 10 along with the Sunshine State Conference.
New to the rankings this week: Grand Valley State is ranked for the first time this season at No. 23 as is Ouachita Baptist at No. 25, while DBU returns to the poll at No. 24.