We are two full weeks into conference play as teams begin jockeying for position in conference standings. Here are our updated Power Rankings based on games played through January 12.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. New Mexico State #126 (10-6, 3-0)
5
The surprise of conference play has been New Mexico State, no questions asked. The Aggies began the year at 4-6 and had suffered five straight losses. They have now won six straight including their first three in conference play. NMSU’s last two performances were dominant wins over Louisiana Tech and UTEP, two teams expected to compete for a conference championship.
This week: 1/16 @ FIU, 1/18 @ Liberty
2. Middle Tennessee #122 (12-5, 3-1)
3
The Blue Raiders picked up a road win at FIU in the conference opener and also took care of business at home against Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State. They have just one game this week, an important one at home against the HIlltoppers.
This week: 1/18 vs Western Kentucky
3. UTEP #165 (12-4, 2-1)
no change
The Miners picked up wins at home over Louisiana Tech and Sam Houston to run their winning streak to six straight. Playing NMSU at home on Saturday night, UTEP had their eyes set on claiming first place alone in the conference standings, but they were blitzed by the Aggies, losing 85-57.
This week: 1/16 @ Liberty, 1/18 @ FIU
4. Liberty #69 (14-3, 2-2)
3
The Flames will likely be kicking themselves throughout conference play for letting a 16-point second half lead at home over Western Kentucky slip through their fingers to open conference play. After that loss, Liberty bounced back with wins over Middle Tennessee and on the road at Sam Houston before losing at preseason favorite Louisiana Tech. Liberty is a bit banged up right now and very thin, utilizing a primary rotation of only six.
This week: 1/16 vs UTEP, 1/18 vs New Mexico State
5. Louisiana Tech #119 (13-4, 2-2)
3
The Bulldogs started conference play at 0-2 and many had concerns about the team. No need. Playing your first two at UTEP and New Mexico State is just about as difficult as it gets in conference play. Louisiana Tech returned home and took care of business against FIU and Liberty. Now, they will try to pick up their first road conference win of the season this weekend.
This week: 1/16 @ Jacksonville State, 1/18 @ Kennesaw State
6. Western Kentucky #128 (11-6, 2-2)
2
The Hilltoppers began conference play with a double digit come from behind victory on the road at Liberty. They then suffered setbacks at FIU and at home to Jacksonville State before bouncing back against Kennesaw State. With Babacar Faye still missing time, WKU loses their most important post threat and it makes the team small and they have a hard time matching up within other CUSA teams in the paint.
This week: 1/18 @ Middle Tennessee
7. Kennesaw State #200 (9-7, 1-2)
no change
The Owls opened conference play with a 12-point win at home over Jacksonville State. Kennesaw then went on the road and lost at MIddle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. If they will remain in the conference race, Kennesaw State must be able to pick up at least one win at home this week against Sam Houston and Louisiana Tech before making the tough trip west to New Mexico State and UTEP.
This week: 1/16 vs Sam Houston, 1/18 vs Louisiana Tech
8. Jacksonville State #172 (9-7, 1-2)
no change
The Gamecocks pick were able to pick up a win at Western Kentucky this week, getting in the win column for the first time in conference play. It was a much-needed win after falling to Kennesaw State in their league opener.
This week: 1/16 vs Louisiana Tech, 1/18 vs Sam Houston
9. Sam Houston #149 (8-9, 1-3)
no change
Unlike last season when the Bearkats raced out to a 6-1 CUSA record and played from out in front of the pack, this year Sam Houston will have to play catch up after dropping three of their first four league games including a home game. Sam Houston now hits the road where they will try to steal a win or two.
This week: 1/16 @ Kennesaw State, 1/18 @ Jacksonville State
10. FIU #229 (7-10, 1-3)
no change
The Panthers beat Western Kentucky at home but have otherwise failed to register a win in conference play. Two tough home contests await this week.
This week: 1/16 vs New Mexico State, 1/18 vs UTEP
