INDIANAPOLIS -- As March approaches and the postseason picture begins to slowly reveal itself like a Polaroid, the Ouachita men's basketball team landed in the first NCAA Division II Regional Rankings of the 2025-26 season. The No. 20 Tigers were added in the Central Region list that spotlights teams under consideration to earn an at-large bid into the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament.
The inclusion reflects a stellar campaign built behind a stout defense and unwavering grit that has put the Tigers in the conversation for a potential tournament run. Regional rankings determine which eight teams from eight regions create the 64-team bracket to advance to the NCAA Division II Tournament. It reflects not just overall record, but strength of schedule, regional results and consistency across the season.
By stacking quality league victories and boasting a 12-1 home record inside Bill Vining Arena, the Tigers have entered the regional discussion. Ouachita's men's basketball program has previously made two NCAA tournament appearances back in 2008 and 2016.
The Tigers are led by senior Devon Hancock averaging 17.3 points, which ranks third in the Great American Conference. The Dallas native also leads the league with an 87% free throw percentage and ranks second with 55 made 3-pointers through 24 games.
On the defensive end of the floor, Ouachita is anchored by a tenacious duo in freshman Jaxon Conley and junior Christian Parks. Conley wreaks havoc on the perimeter and leads the league with 56 steals, which ranks second among D2 freshmen. Parks leads the GAC with 60 blocks, just four shy of the program's single-season record.
As a unit, the Tigers rank among the nation's best at restricting opponents from scoring, holding teams to just 61.3 points per game, third-lowest in America. Ouachita limits opponents to shooting 39% from the field and 27% from 3-point range, which also rank inside the top five among D2 schools. The blend of experience and emerging talent has created a roster capable of dictating the pace of play against any foe.
With just four games left in the regular season, Ouachita sits at 20-4 overall and 16-2 in GAC play, tied for first in the league standings with No. 7 Oklahoma Baptist. The Tigers make a tough road trip to Oklahoma for two critical games that present a postseason-caliber opponent in uncharted territory. Ouachita visits Southern Nazarene on Thursday, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
