Though there were no new additions to the rankings, there was significant movement in Week 11 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Men’s Mid-Major Top 5, with four of the five teams shifting positions from the previous week.
No. 5 – Tuskegee Golden Tigers (22-8, 19-5)
The Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University fall one spot to No. 5 in this week’s rankings. Tuskegee advanced to the SIAC Tournament championship game but was defeated 66-56 by Morehouse, bringing their season to a close.
No. 4 – Morehouse Maroon Tigers (22-10, 17-5)
Despite capturing the SIAC Tournament title, Morehouse drops two spots to No. 4. The Maroon Tigers defeated Tuskegee 66-56 to secure their seventh tournament championship—and their first since 2003.
The victory earned Morehouse an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament, marking their first appearance since 2018. Entering as the No. 8 seed in the South Regional, the Maroon Tigers faced No. 1 seed Nova Southeastern and saw their season end in a 94-60 loss.
No. 3 – Virginia Union Panthers (25-6, 13-3)
Virginia Union slips one spot to No. 3 this week. Despite a surprising loss to Johnson C. Smith in the CIAA Tournament quarterfinals, the Panthers’ strong overall résumé earned them an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament.
As the No. 7 seed in the Atlantic Regional, VUU defeated No. 2 seed West Liberty 52-46 in the opening round. Their run came to an end in the next round, as Indiana (PA) edged the Panthers 66-62 in overtime.
No. 2 – Langston Lions (23-7, 17-5)
Langston makes the biggest jump of the week, climbing from No. 5 to No. 2. The Lions dominated Eastern Oregon 86-59 to advance to the NAIA Tournament Round of 16.
They will now face No. 1 seed Oklahoma Wesleyan—a team they previously defeated 73-70 earlier this season.
No. 1 – Fayetteville State Broncos (23-7, 14-2)
Fayetteville State holds firm at the top spot in this week’s rankings. The CIAA Tournament champions entered the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional as the No. 5 seed, where they matched up against No. 4 seed California (PA).
The Broncos’ postseason run came to an end with a 96-83 loss to the Vulcans.
Dropped Out : N/A
Receiving Votes
- Virginia State Trojans (20-10, 12-4)
- Clark Atlanta Panthers (21-8, 17-6)
- Miles Golden Bears (20-8, 17-7)
- Stillman Tigers (18-9, 10-2)
- Tougaloo Bulldogs (17-8, 10-2)
