SEARCY, Ark. — Defending Great American Conference champion Harding has officially entered the postseason picture, debuting at No. 10 in the second edition of the NCAA Division II Central Region rankings released Wednesday.

The Bisons (19-7, 17-7 in-region) are looking to return to the NCAA Central Region Tournament for the second consecutive year. Last season, Harding secured an automatic bid to the Big Dance by winning the GAC Tournament championship.

The Central Region is composed of teams from the GAC, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). At the end of the conference seasons, the three tournament champions from these leagues earn automatic berths, while the next five highest-ranked teams receive at-large invitations to the eight-team regional field in March.

Washburn (24-1) holds the top spot in the region, followed by Oklahoma Baptist at No. 2. Harding is one of three GAC schools in the Top 10, joining the Bison of Oklahoma Baptist and No. 7 Ouachita Baptist.

Sitting at No. 10, Harding faces a high-stakes finish to the season. While the Bisons currently trail No. 8 Fort Hays State and No. 9 Rogers State, they have the opportunity to climb the ladder or repeat last year's feat of securing an automatic bid through the GAC Tournament.

The NCAA will release one more public ranking next Wednesday before the final selection show determines the field on Sunday, March 8.

NCAA CENTRAL REGION RANKINGS (FEB. 25)

1. Washburn (24-1)

2. Oklahoma Baptist (24-2)

3. Central Missouri (20-8)

4. Arkansas-Fort Smith (17-6)

5. St. Cloud State (22-5)

6. Missouri Western (17-10)

7. Ouachita Baptist (17-6)

8. Fort Hays State (15-9)

9. Rogers State (15-9)

10. Harding (19-7)