SEAHAWKS NOW 44TH IN RPI RATINGS

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Fresh off Saturday's buzzer-beater over Colonial Athletic Association newcomer Northeastern, UNC Wilmington's surging men's basketball team finds itself 44th in the latest Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) compiled by College Basketball News in Carmel, Ind.

The RPI is used by the NCAA men's basketball committee in the seeding for the NCAA Tournament and in determining at-large entries into the 65-team field.

The 16-6 Seahawks, who share first place in the CAA with George Mason, are one of five CAA teams in the Top 100. The listing is based on winning percentage, schedule strength and opponent's schedule strength.

Overall, the 12-team CAA is ranked 11th in the country out of 32 conferences.

CAA RPI Rankings Released On Jan. 29, 2006: George Mason, 35; Old Dominion, 41; UNC Wilmington, 44; Virginia Commonwealth, 63; Hofstra, 70; Northeastern, 117; Drexel, 120; Towson, 218; William & Mary, 247; Georgia State, 255; Delaware, 257; James Madison, 283.