Wednesday, October 9, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. - Seattle Pacific, which earlier was selected the No. 1 NCAA Division II men's basketball team in the Sportings News pre-season poll, has been selected as the No. 3 team in the Division II Bulletin's pre-season rankings.

Metro State and West Liberty earned the No. 1 and No. 2 rankings by Division II Bulletin.  Western Washington drew a No. 17 ranking.

The only other West Region team ranked in the poll was Cal Poly Pomona at No. 6. Cal State San Bernardino and Dixie State were listed as "other teams to watch."

The publication also chose SPU guard David Downs as one of its Super 16 selections. 

Downs (6-2, Sr., Kirkland, WA - Bellevue Christian), who averaged 14.2 points and led all GNAC playmakers with 5.5 assists per game last year is one of three returning starters for the Falcons.

Central Washington's Mark McLaughlin earned an honorable mention selection by the publication.  He led the GNAC in scoring last season averaging 22.8 points per game.

The GNAC will release its men's pre-season basketball poll and pre-season all-conference team next Wednesday.