The 2022-23 non-conference season is all but done as conference play begins in earnest this week. With that, it’s time for us to update our ASUN Power Rankings. This is based on games played through December 26.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. FGCU #130 (10-3)
no change
The Eagles have won 8 of 9 games with their only loss coming on the road against 11-1 Florida Atlantic. New head coach Pat Chambers has brought a new mentality to Fort Myers and he has the team believing. FGCU has proven they have the capability to compete for a conference championship this season. Their conference opener on New Year’s Eve is must watch television as two of the early season contenders square off.
This week: 12/31 vs Jacksonville, 1/2 at Central Arkansas
2. Liberty #84 (9-4)
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After starting the season 2-3, head coach Ritchie McKay seemingly has his Flames headed in the right direction. Liberty has won 7 of their past 8 and are playing good basketball. Having regained their confidence and momentum, the Flames will take on the team that ended their streak of three straight ASUN Championships to open conference play at Bellarmine.
This week: 12/29 at Bellarmine, 1/2 vs Lipscomb
3. Queens #183 (10-3)
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Queens had plenty of success at the Division II level, but to move up to the DI ranks and to win 7 of 10 games against Division I opponents is very impressive. Now, the Royals will have to prove it against their conference foes with two tough games this week.
This week: 12/29 vs Austin Peay, 12/31 at Eastern Kentucky
4. Jacksonville #149 (7-3)
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The Dolphins’ three losses have come against Duke and two very good mid-major programs UAB and UNC Wilmington. Head coach Jordan Mincy and his team has one more tuneup on Tuesday night at Notre Dame before looking to make another strong push in conference play.
This week: 12/27 at Notre Dame, 12/31 at FGCU, 1/2 vs Jacksonville State
5. Kennesaw State #210 (8-5)
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The Owls have played a strong non-conference schedule, with three losses coming against top 50 teams so far this season. Their once young team is now a group of veterans that will once again look to be competitive in the ASUN. This time though, Kennesaw wants to prove they belong among the group of teams competing for a conference title.
This week: 12/31 vs Central Arkansas, 1/2 vs Eastern Kentucky
6. North Alabama #287 (8-5)
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Many expected the Lions to be near the basement of the ASUN this season, and opening the year 2-4 against Division I opponents it looked like that may happen. Well, Coach Pujol and his team have turned it around in recent weeks, winning four out of their past five including a win over Ole Miss.
This week: 12/30 at Jacksonville State, 1/2 vs Bellarmine
7. Lipscomb #189 (8-5)
5
The Bisons started the season 6-2 with a few really solid wins. Now, Lipscomb has dropped three out of five including two on the road against Alabama A&M and Tennessee State. Don’t let the win over Louisville fool you, as the Cardinals are likely the worst team in the Power Conferences this season.
This week: 12/30 vs Stetson, 1/2 at Liberty
8. Stetson #255 (5-6)
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The Hatters started the year 3-0 but have dropped six straight against Division I opponents. Can they turn things around as conference play starts?
This week: 12/30 at Lipscomb, 1/2 vs North Florida
9. Jacksonville State #235 (6-6)
2
The Gamecocks have almost an entirely new roster from last year’s team that advanced to the NCAA Tournament. They’ve had a difficult time finding the chemistry needed for a successful team. There’s still plenty of time left to figure things out.
This week: 12/27 vs Georgia Southwestern, 12/30 vs North Alabama, 1/2 at Jacksonville
10. North Florida #237 (5-7)
2
The Ospreys always limp into conference play with a gross looking record, but pay no attention to their record. Coach Driscoll will likely have UNF competitive in the ASUN as games against the likes of Gonzaga, Washington, Kentucky, Houston, and Pitt will help prepare them.
This week: 12/29 vs Florida National, 12/31 vs Austin Peay, 1/2 at Stetson
11. Eastern Kentucky #262 (7-6)
3
EKU enters conference play coming off two straight wins over Radford and UNC Greensboro. The Colonels had a disappointing first season in the ASUN, and they will be looking to compete in the upper half of the conference this season.
This week: 12/31 vs Queens, 1/2 at Kennesaw State
12. Bellarmine #261 (5-8)
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Losses to Clemson, Duke, UCLA, and Kentucky won’t define Bellarmine’s season. We don’t know exactly how good they are this season as the reigning ASUN Champions look to compete for another championship. The Knights are coming off losses to Miami Ohio and Evansville, and we will get a good idea of just how good they are when they open conference play against Liberty.
This week: 12/29 vs Liberty, 1/2 at North Alabama
13. Austin Peay #244 (6-7)
3
Led by head coach Nate James, the Governors have faced a tough schedule to begin the season. Now, in their first season in the league, Austin Peay will begin play on the road.
This week: 12/29 at Queens, 12/31 at North Florida
14. Central Arkansas #329 (5-7)
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UCA has lost three straight, but with four Division I wins, the Bears could be a very strong team near the bottom of the standings for a league like the ASUN.
This week: 12/28 at TCU, 12/31 at Kennesaw State, 1/2 vs FGCU
