SEATTLE (Feb. 8) ­ Seattle Pacific University leapfrogged over Western Washington and moved into the top spot in this week's NCAA Division II West Regional men's basketball poll.

The Falcons (18-2), who have the best record in the region against Division II schools (17-1) and against other West Region teams (15-1), beat Humboldt State and Western Oregon last week, while Western (15-2 against Div. II schools, 13-2 in the region) defeated Central Washington in overtime.

It's the first No. 1 regional ranking for SPU since Jan. 26, 2005.

Three other Great Northwest Athletic Conference teams are also ranked with Alaska Fairbanks No. 6, Seattle University No. 7 and Humboldt State No. 9. Seattle Pacific visits Alaska Fairbanks Thursday night.

The final poll in March will determine which six at-large teams join the CCAA and GNAC regular-season champions in the eight-team West Regional playoffs.

NCAA Division II West Region Ranking - 1. Seattle Pacific 18-2; 2. Western Washington 17-2; 3. Sonoma State 12-6; 4. Cal State Bakersfield 15-4; 5. Chaminade 14-6; 6. Alaska Fairbanks 14-6; 7. Seattle 12-8; 8. Cal State San Bernardino 10-8; 9. Humboldt State 12-7; 10. Grand Canyon 17-5.