USC Aiken men, women having strong seasons

Who's Hot

USC Aiken. The school is one of four in the nation to have both the men’s and women’s teams ranked in the top 25. The Lady Pacers check in at No. 15, while the Pacers are 24th.

Who's Not

Peach Belt West Division. The top three men’s teams in the East would be leading the West Division today.

Region Rankings

Thanks to USC Aiken sports information director Brian Hand for passing on the explanation about the delay in region rankings. Typically, they’re released the last Wednesday in January. The NCAA changed the date, backing up the first set of rankings to Feb. 15.

Record-Setting

USC Aiken guard Sterling Council set a Peach Belt record by making 51 consecutive free throws before missing an attempt Monday. He is shooting 94 percent from the foul line.

Honoring the Military

Augusta State will hold Military Appreciation Day on Feb. 4. About 500 soldiers from Fort Gordon are expect to attend the Jaguars’ home game against Flagler.

Men's Reports

Augusta State (12-7, 8-3): If the Jaguars can get to 19 wins, they might be able to sneak their way into the Division II Tournament as an at-large team. A win today would help.

Paine (11-5, 10-4): Lions can create some separation in the SIAC with wins at Stillman and Tuskegee over the next three days.

USC Aiken (15-3, 9-1): The Pacers might be the top team in the Southeast Region. If they play host to the regional, look out.

Women's Reports

Augusta State (9-10, 4-7): The Lady Jaguars have won their most games in four seasons.

Paine (3-13, 3-9): Lady Lions scored 28 points against Benedict. High school teams cringed.

USC Aiken (15-2, 8-1): Lady Pacers could make a major statement with a win against defending national champ Clayton State.