We have passed the midway point of conference play in the ASUN as all 14 teams have played 10 of the scheduled 18 league games. Some separation has entered the top of the standings following this week’s games. Here is our updated ASUN Power Rankings, based on games played through January 29.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty #47 (18-5, 9-1)
no change
The Flames continue to play ball at an extremely high level. They have won six straight, 12 of 13 and 16 of 18 games. With wins over Stetson and FGCU this past week, Liberty has begun to separate themselves from everyone in the conference race with the exception of one and maybe two teams.
This week: 2/2 at Austin Peay, 2/4 at Lipscomb
2. Kennesaw State #142 (17-6, 9-1)
no change
The Owls have now won seven games in a row and are the only team that has been able to keep pace with Liberty. What a terrific season for head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim and Kennesaw State so far this season. KSU does have two tough tests on the road this week, but the Feb. 16 game on their home floor against Liberty looks like it may be one of the biggest games of the season in the ASUN.
This week: 2/2 at Bellarmine, 2/4 at Eastern Kentucky
3. Eastern Kentucky #185 (14-9, 7-3)
1
Perhaps the only team that still has a chance to compete with Liberty and Kennesaw at the top of the standings is Eastern Kentucky. The Colonels split their two games against Bellarmine this week. If they pick up a couple wins this week, including Saturday at home against Kennesaw State, they will remain in the mix as they already own a win over Liberty.
This week: 2/2 vs Jacksonville State, 2/4 vs Kennesaw State
4. Bellarmine #266 (10-13, 5-5)
3
A few weeks ago, it looked like Bellarmine would be near the bottom of the conference standings, but they have been able to pick up a few wins to remain in the mix. This past week, the Knights were able to pull out a split against Eastern Kentucky.
This week: 2/2 vs Kennesaw State, 2/4 vs Jacksonville State
5. North Alabama #275 (13-10, 5-5)
4
The Lions have suddenly won four straight, including wins at home this week against Jacksonville (by 18) and North Florida (by 13). A nice little spurt by UNA to remain in contention as we turn towards the stretch run.
This week: 2/2 at Stetson, 2/4 at FGCU
6. Queens #210 (15-8, 5-5)
6
Queens had some difficulty for a couple of weeks, but they seem to have found their rhthym picking up two nice wins at home over FGCU and Stetson. Can they take that success on the road this week?
This week: 2/2 at Lipscomb, 2/4 at Austin Peay
7. Jacksonville #200 (12-9, 5-5)
1
The Dolphins lost at North Alabama by 18 points this past week. Many expected Jacksonville to compete near the top of the ASUN this season, but that hasn’t been the case so far.
This week: 2/2 vs North Florida, 2/4 at North Florida
8. Lipscomb #187 (13-10, 5-5)
5
The Bisons are a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team this season. After a couple of strong weeks, they dropped two this week including a loss at Jacksonville State. Two challenging games at home this week, where Lipscomb needs to win at least one.
This week: 2/2 vs Queens, 2/4 vs Liberty
9. Stetson #184 (11-10, 6-4)
4
After jumping out to an early lead in the ASUN race, the Hatters have now lost four out of five. Can they right the ship?
This week: 2/2 vs North Alabama, 2/4 vs Central Arkansas
10. FGCU #168 (14-9, 4-6)
2
A disappointing conference season so far for FGCU. They have the talent to compete with anyone in the league, but it just hasn’t been the case. The Eagles have lost five of their last six games and six out of eight.
This week: 2/2 vs Central Arkansas, 2/4 vs North Alabama
11. Jacksonville State #273 (10-13, 3-7)
no change
Jacksonville State finally shows some signs of life this week with a couple of wins. Can they keep it going?
This week: 2/2 at Eastern Kentucky, 2/4 at Bellarmine
12. Central Arkansas #336 (7-16, 2-8)
1
Central Arkansas knocked off North Florida in overtime at home this past week before falling against Jacksonville. A tough road trip to Florida for the Bears this week.
This week: 2/2 at FGCU, 2/4 at Stetson
13. North Florida #289 (8-14, 3-7)
3
UNF lost on the road this week to Central Arkansas (in overtime) and North Alabama. That’s now three straight losses and six losses in their last seven games.
This week: 2/2 at Jacksonville, 2/4 vs Jacksonville
14. Austin Peay #312 (8-15, 2-8)
no change
Austin Peay may not be the worst team in the ASUN, but they are playing like it with six straight losses.
This week: 2/2 vs Liberty, 2/4 vs Queens
