McCullough well-rounded

Reviewing and previewing local college basketball:

WHO'S HOT

Louis McCullough. The Francis Marion senior forward is an early favorite for Peach Belt player of the year because of his well-rounded game. McCullough leads the league in rebounding (9.8) and blocks (2.1) , is second in scoring (22.2) and fourth in field-goal shooting percentage (61.0).

WHO'S NOT

Coaches voting in the Women's Top 25 poll. The Division II ranking policy is as convoluted as the BCS. Evidence: Despite losing twice this season, California (Pa.) received two first-place votes. Meanwhile, USC Aiken received little consideration after defeating the nation's top-ranked team – and two of the Lady Pacers' three losses came to a Division I team and a highly-ranked Division II team. Voters, do what you advocate to your student-athletes: homework.

NOTE OF THE WEEK

The trickle-down effect of Augusta State playing Georgia on Friday resulted in the Lady Jaguars dropping an almost certain win from the schedule when they replaced Allen University. The upside of the contest: money to fund a scholarship next season.

WE'RE NOT KIDDING

UNC Pembroke – which has the worst overall athletic program in the Peach Belt Conference – has decided to start a football team. The school will jack up student fees $70 per semester, and will begin playing in fall 2006 or 2007.

RANKING THE MEN'S TEAMS

1. Augusta State (4-2). Jaguars guard Karim Telfer is a perfect 17-for-17 from the free-throw line entering tonight's game at Georgia Southern.

2. USC Aiken (4-3). Josh Poston capitalized on his first career start, scoring 29 with eight assists in the Pacers' 88-80 win at North Greenville last Saturday.

3. Paine (0-4, 0-2 SIAC). Chris Jackson has posted double digits in three games and leads the team with a 12.3 scoring average.

RANKING THE WOMEN'S TEAMS

1. USC Aiken (9-3). Guard Mindy Allee stands atop the conference in assist-turnover ratio at 1.77 (53 assists, 30 turnovers).

2. Augusta State (6-2). Note to opponents: foul Eva Vodrazkova and Brandi Hollingsworth at your own risk. The pair are a combined 53-for-55 from the line. Vodrazkova leads the league at 97 percent (33-for-34) and is followed by Hollingsworth at 95 percent (20-for-21).

3. Paine (2-3, 2-0 SIAC). Kenyell Hucthins is a rebounding monster off the bench. In 49 minutes the past three contests, she's grabbed 26 boards.

GAME OF THE WEEK

St. Augustine's at Paine, 7 p.m., Thursday. The Lions, still seeking their first win, return to the friendly sauna at Carter Gym. St. Augustine's has been up and down this season and is averaging 86 points a game. A track meet could be too much for the Lions. Then again, a high-scoring game may help kick-start the team's woeful offense.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.