| UW-Whitewater benefits from
geography and Simpson's apparent failure to file
paperwork. Photo by Larry Radloff, d3photography.com |
UW-Whitewater is neither the top seed nor even the top-seeded team within range of all four schools, but the Warhawks were chosen to host a sectional regardless, as Whitewater will host Hope, Simpson and St. Thomas.
Simpson did not put in to host, sources tell D3sports.com.
Amherst will host a women's sectional as well, as will Williams and DePauw. Williams will host Ithaca, Emory and Whitman, and is the only available choice that meets the NCAA's travel criteria. Ithaca and Williams are within driving distance of each other, but Ithaca cannot host because its gym is being renovated.
Only nine of the 16 first-weekend hosts advanced in women's basketball.
Among the 16 men's hosts, most followed the so-called secret final regional rankings, although Catholic, the No. 2 team in the Mid-Atlantic, is sent to Williams, which was ranked No. 3 in the Northeast. North Central, which is hosting the Division III national championships in indoor track this weekend, is hosting its game this weekend at nearby Benedictine.