The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball has climbed to No. 17 in the latest National Association Basketball Coaches Poll released by the organization Tuesday.

The Bearcats stand at 5-0 after in-region wins against Upper Iowa and Southwest Minnesota State. Northwest is also one of only two MIAA teams ranked in the NABC Top 25.

The top five remain unchanged as West Liberty holds the top spot followed by the Ichabods at No. 2 and Metro State at No. 3. Alabama-Huntsville remains at No. 4 with Bellarmine rounding out the top five.

Defending champion Western Washington sets at No. 6, followed by Franklin Pierce (N.H.) at No. 7 and Southern Indiana at No. 8. Central Region foe Winona State (Minn.) checks in at No. 9 with Christian Brothers (Tenn.) closing out the top 10.

Northwest continues action Saturday as they host York College at Bearcat Arena. Tipoff is slated for 3:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —