We are just a few weeks away from the 2024 CUSA Tournament in Huntsville, Alabama. Here is our updated CUSA Power Rankings, based on games played through February 12.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Western Kentucky #139 (17-7, 6-4)
2
The Hilltoppers proved they are going to be a team that will be in serious contention to cut down nets in Huntsville. WKU has now won three straight including road wins at Louisiana Tech and Jacksonville State this week. Now, Western Kentucky gets two home games as they look to continue to make a push towards the top spot in the standings.
This week: 2/15 vs UTEP, 2/17 vs New Mexico State
2. Liberty #103 (16-9, 5-5)
5
It was a tough go of things for the Flames in the first month they were their new conference home, but the team stayed together and persevere despite an 0-3 start in league play. Less than two weeks ago, Liberty had fallen to 2-5 in conference play but have now won three straight including a big win at home on Saturday night over Louisiana Tech thanks to a last second Kaden Metheny triple. The Flames have dug out of the early hole, can they continue their strong play to be seriously considered to finish in the top spot in the regular season race?
This week: 2/17 @ Sam Houston
3. Louisiana Tech #71 (16-8, 6-3)
2
La Tech remains in a tie for first place in the CUSA standings, but they have now dropped two straight after falling to WKU and Liberty. The Bulldogs remain one of the top teams in the league but maybe they have more competition as the top dog in the conference than we originally thought.
This week: 2/15 vs Jacksonville State, 2/17 vs FIU
4. Sam Houston #185 (13-11, 6-3)
2
The Bearkats lost at Jax State in their only game this week. They now return home to take on the Panthers and the Flames. Sam Houston is tied for first place in the conference standings with Louisiana Tech currently.
This week: 2/15 vs FIU, 2/17 vs Liberty
5. UTEP #187 (13-11, 4-5)
no change
The Miners dominated New Mexico State, winning by 25, to improve to 4-5 in CUSA play. Can they keep that play going on the road this week?
This week: 2/15 @ Western Kentucky, 2/17 @ Middle Tennessee
6. New Mexico State #250 (11-13, 5-4)
2
It was a bad showing for the Aggies at UTEP on Saturday night, and now they hit the road for two tough tests.
This week: 2/15 @ Middle Tennessee, 2/17 @ Western Kentucky
7. Jacksonville State #170 (12-13, 4-6)
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The Gamecocks split their two home contests against Western Kentucky and Sam Houston. They remain in the hunt as they play at Louisiana Tech this week, a team that will be desperate for a win after suffering two straight setbacks.
This week: 2/15 @ Louisiana Tech
8. Middle Tennessee #287 (9-15, 3-6)
1
The Blue Raiders came from behind to win at FIU on Saturday, picking up a crucial road victory as they attempt to climb out of that 8/9 play-in game.
This week: 2/15 vs New Mexico State, 2/17 vs UTEP
9. FIU #284 (8-16, 3-6)
1
The Panthers let a double digit second half lead slip away, falling at home to Middle Tennessee. Things won’t get easier this week as they head west to take on the two teams tied for first in the conference.
This week: 2/15 @ Sam Houston, 2/17 @ Louisiana Tech
