MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team was ranked third in the latest NCAA Central Region poll which was release on Wednesday afternoon. The Bearcats are 22-5 overall and 19-5 in games against NCAA Division II in-region opponents.

The Bearcats, who went 15-4 and won the outright MIAA title, are seeded first in the upcoming MIAA Tournament at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. Northwest takes on No. 8 seed Washburn on Thursday at noon.

The top eight teams in each of the eight regions advance to the NCAA Division II Tournament, with the top seed serving as host for the opening three rounds. Augustana (S.D.) defeated Minnesota State Moorhead to win the Northern Sun Conference Tournament on Tuesday to conclude the season.

The NCAA Selection Show will take place on Sunday, March 8, at 9:30 p.m. CT.

— Northwest Sports Information —