SEATTLE (Feb. 26) -- If the national rankings are any indication, Seattle Pacific University's playoff prospects look strong going into the final weekend of the regular season. The Falcons, winners of five in a row, have risen to No. 7 in this week's NCAA Division II women's basketball poll.

It marks the team's second-highest ranking this year (it was No. 6 on Jan. 9) but the more significant barometer of its postseason chances comes Wednesday, when the NCAA committee releases the regional polls. Seattle Pacific (21-5) is expected to move into the top six going into Saturday's game with Central Washington. Only six team from each region will receive playoff berths from the NCAA when the bracket is announced Sunday night.

SPU is one of three West Region teams included in this week's top 25. Cal Poly Pomona is No. 2, Western Washington No. 11 and Cal State Bakersfield No. 22 in the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll. Missouri Western retained the No. 1 ranking for the second week in a row.

1. Missouri Western (24) 24-2
2. Cal Poly Pomona 21-4
3. North Dakota 22-4
4. Southern Indiana 23-5
5. Arkansas Tech 22-4
6. Northern Kentucky 21-5
7. Seattle Pacific 21-5
8. Delta State, Ms. 21-5
9. St. Mary's, Tx. 24-2
10. Mesa State, Co. 23-3
11. Western Washington 21-4
12. Bloomsburg, Pa. 21-3
13. Mars Hill, NC 20-4
14. South Dakota State 22-5
15. Adelphi, NY 24-2
16. Central Arkansas 21-5
17. Rollins, Fl. 21-5
18. Lake Superior State, Mi. 19-4
19. South Carolina-Aiken 22-4
20. American International, Ma. 23-3
21. Gannon, Pa. 20-5
22. Cal State Bakersfield 21-4
23. West Liberty State, WV 24-2
24. Cameron, Ok. 23-3
25. Glenville State, WV 21-3

Others Receiving Votes: Washburn 45; Montana State-Billings 21; Florida Tech 19; Southeastern Oklahoma St. 18; Nebraska-Kearney 18; West Alabama 15; California (PA) 12; Central Missouri State 11; North Carolina Central 9; Catawba 7; North Dakota State 7; Assumption 6; Bentley 5; Central Washington 4; Northern Michigan 3; Michigan Tech 1.