We have moved into February and are getting closer to the CUSA Tournament in Huntsville as the contenders and pretenders are starting to separate themselves.. Let’s take an updated look at our Conference USA Power Rankings. These are based on games played through February 9.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty #91 (20-3, 12-0)
no change
The Flames are moving into the territory of having one of the best regular seasons in the history of Conference USA. Liberty’s 12-0 start in conference play is the best in the league in over a decade and have now won 22 out of the 23 games against CUSA opponents. Can Liberty run the table in the regular season? That may be the only question remaining until we get to Huntsville as the Flames have a four game lead in first place with just eight games to play.
This week: 2/11 @ New Mexico State, 2/14 @ UTEP
2. Sam Houston #113 (16-8, 8-5)
no change
The Bearkats ran their win streak to seven straight before falling at Louisiana Tech on Saturday. Sam Houston is clearly a contender this season. Can they get to that coveted #2 spot in Huntsville after starting 1-4 in conference play?
This week: 2/14 @ Kennesaw State
3. Jacksonville State #184 (13-10, 8-4)
1
The Gamecocks have won 5 out of 6 and are proving they belong among the list of contenders in CUSA this season. Jax State picked up some nice road wins at FIU and Western Kentucky and also took care of business at home against Kennesaw State. Two home games for the Gamecocks this week as they look to remain alone in second place in the conference standings.
This week: 2/11 vs UTEP, 2/14 vs New Mexico State
4. Missouri State #189 (13-10, 7-5)
1
The Bears made it through their gauntlet of five road games out of seven and are still in the mix near the top of the standings. Missouri State has their next three at home and finish with five of their final eight games at home. Cuonzo Martin and Missouri State also pushed the Flames to the brink at Liberty Arena in Lynchburg this past weekend, which should give them some confidence moving forward.
This week: 2/12 vs Louisiana Tech, 2/14 vs Delaware
5. Kennesaw State #168 (14-9, 6-6)
1
Many counted the Owls out after Simeon Cottle was suspended, but they have proven to still be a threat in CUSA this season. Kennesaw has two big opportunities on their home floor this week. Earn a couple of wins and they can push towards the top of the league standings.
This week: 2/12 vs Middle Tennessee, 2/14 vs Sam Houston
6. Louisiana Tech #238 (13-10, 6-6)
1
The Bulldogs started league play 1-3 but have steadied themselves since then and are coming off a big win at home over Sam Houston, ending the Bearkats long win streak. Is Louisiana Tech for real? They have a couple of big tests on the road this week.
This week: 2/12 @ Missouri State, 2/14 @ FIU
7. Western Kentucky #167 (13-11, 6-7)
1
The Hilltoppers continue to be a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team as they will pick up a nice win and then have a head-scratching loss. Western Kentucky has been fighting through some injuries recently and ended a four-game losing skid to win two out of their last three.
This week: 2/14 vs Middle Tennessee
8. UTEP #272 (9-15, 5-8)
1
The Miners are coming off an emotional overtime win at home o very New Mexico State this past weekend. They are fighting to be one of the 10 teams that advance to Huntsville. Two tough games for UTEP this week are on the docket.
This week: 2/11 @ Jacksonville State, 2/14 vs Liberty
9. FIU #193 (11-12, 4-8)
1
The Panthers got a much needed win in overtime at Middle Tennessee last week. Now, they look to take care of business at home this week with Delaware and Louisiana Tech coming to Mimami. Can FIU get the needed wins to make the top 10 and get to Huntsville?
This week: 2/12 vs Delaware, 2/14 vs Louisiana Tech
10. Delaware #287 (7-16, 3-9)
2
The Blue Hens looked dead in the water a couple weeks ago at 1-7 in conference play and having lost five straight. Since then though, Delaware has shown some life and picked up a couple of wins and nearly pulled off the upset of the Flames at home. Can they keep that momentum moving forward as they play five of their next six on the road?
This week: 2/12 @ FIU, 2/14 @ Missouri State
11. New Mexico State #171 (11-12, 4-9)
no change
It’s been a tough stretch for the Aggies recently as they have lost five of their last six, including three on their home floor. NMSU has some talent and gets a chance to knock off unbeaten Liberty this week after pushing the Flames in Lynchburg, missing a shot at the buzzer that would have won the game.
This week: 2/11 vs Liberty, 2/14 @ Jacksonville State
12. Middle Tennessee #186 (11-12, 5-7)
7
Just a few weeks ago it looked like the Blue Raiders were perhaps Liberty’s toughest challenger this season. That expectation has flipped as MTSU has dropped five straight and are trying to get things back on track. Middle Tennessee has their next three away from and finish with five of its final eight games on the road.
This week: 2/12 @ Kennesaw State, 2/14 @ Western Kentucky
