Our next power rankings will be as we enter the final week of the ASUN standings. There’s not much time left, but still plenty of movement to be made as we enter the stretch run.
Power rankings are based on games played through February 11th.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote movement in power rankings since last ranking.
1. North Florida 16-10, 9-2 #177
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The Ospreys become our third different team to man the No. 1 spot this season in the power rankings, joining Liberty, who held the spot for much of the season, and Stetson who had it last time. The margin between UNF and Liberty for first place is razor thin, we’re giving the edge to North Florida based on their head-to-head win over the Flames and their win against Stetson since our last update. The Ospreys have three home games remaining that they will be decided favorites in each (Jacksonville, UNA, Lipscomb) and then two road matchups with the Flames and Hatters.
This week: 2/13 vs Jacksonville, 2/15 vs North Alabama
2. Liberty 23-3, 9-2 #58
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Since dropping two straight in Florida to UNF and Stetson, the Flames have been dominant, winning 4 straight games by an average of 20 points each. Liberty has not trailed for a single second in those 160 minutes of basketball. A home game against NJIT is all that stands between Liberty and two huge matchups against North Florida and Stetson, both in the Vines Center.
This week: 2/15 vs NJIT
3. Stetson 13-12, 7-3 #296
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All 7 of Stetson’s ASUN wins have come by 5 points or less, including road triumphs at Lipscomb and FGCU in its last two games as they continue a remarkable run under first year head coach Donnie Jones. Their remaining schedule is certainly challenging as they try to keep pace with the Ospreys and Flames. After two very winnable games at home this week, the Hatters hit the road to face NJIT and Liberty before returning home against North Florida.
This week: 2/13 vs North Alabama, 2/15 vs Kennesaw St.
4. Lipscomb 10-14, 5-6 #280
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After dropping 4 straight, the Bisons have now won 3 out of 4 games including a win over North Florida. Their two games at home this week are must wins if they want to secure a top 4 seed and host a first round ASUN Tournament game as they close with 2 out of 3 away from Nashville including games against UNF and Liberty.
This week: 2/13 vs NJIT, 2/15 vs FGCU
5. North Alabama 10-14, 5-6 #274
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A couple weeks ago it looked like the Lions would be playing at home in the first round of the ASUN Tournament, but they have now dropped 3 straight, including a couple of 2 point setbacks against Jacksonville and Lipscomb. Coach Tony Pujol’s squad will look to survive this week’s tough slate before finishing with three very winnable games.
This week: 2/13 @ Stetson, 2/15 @ North Florida
6. Jacksonville 12-14, 5-6 #231
no change
Jacksonville continues to try to climb out of the 1-4 hole it found itself in through the first two weeks of league play. There may end up being several teams tied for 4th place at 8-8 or 7-9.
This week: 2/13 @ North Florida
7. FGCU 7-19, 4-7 #324
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The Eagles are coming off a tough stretch of three straight games against the top 3 teams in the league, losing all of them. Now, they must hit the road for three straight.
This week: 2/13 @ Kennesaw St., 2/15 @ Lipscomb
8. NJIT 7-16, 4-6 #301
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In our last update of the power rankings, the Highlanders were in prime position to push towards the top half and maybe even make a run towards the #1 overall seed, but they have now dropped three straight, all at home, and now must hit the road to face both LUs.
This week: 2/13 @ Lipscomb, 2/15 @ Liberty
9. Kennesaw State 1-22, 0-10 #351
no change
They may not have much to play for this season, but the Owls have some help coming. First year head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim currently has the 43rd rated recruiting class in the country with the signing of three 3-stars. Could they pull a Stetson next season by surprising everyone and making a push towards the top of the standings?
This week: 2/13 vs FGCU, 2/15 @ Stetson
