INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP men's basketball team returned to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional rankings this week, checking in at No. 4 in the first numerical release of the 2025-26 season. The Crimson Hawks enter the final stretch of the regular season with a 19-4 overall record and remain firmly in contention for a strong postseason position.

The initial set of numerical rankings provides a clearer picture of the regional race after the earlier alphabetical releases. IUP's placement at No. 4 positions the Crimson Hawks among the leading contenders for an NCAA Tournament berth and keeps the team in line for a favorable seed if it can finish the regular season strong.

This week presents two significant opportunities for IUP as the Crimson Hawks continue their push toward the postseason. The team travels to face California (Pa.) on Wednesday night in a key Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division matchup that could have direct implications for tournament seeding. IUP enters the contest needing a victory to stay in position for a first-round bye in the PSAC Tournament.

The Crimson Hawks will then return home for Senior Day on Saturday, Feb. 28, when they host Atlantic Region No. 1 Gannon inside the Kovalchick Complex. The matchup features two of the region's top programs and could play a major role in shaping both PSAC and NCAA regional positioning heading into the postseason.

Five PSAC programs appear in the top 10 of the Atlantic Regional rankings, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the conference this season. IUP is also one of four institutions with both its men's and women's basketball programs ranked in the Atlantic Region, underscoring the department's success on the court this winter.

With the regular season nearing its conclusion, the Crimson Hawks remain focused on securing postseason positioning. A pair of victories this week would guarantee IUP a first-round bye in the PSAC Tournament and strengthen its case for a high seed in the NCAA Atlantic Regional.