We are entering the stretch run in conference play as teams begin to set themselves up for the looming conference tournament. Here is our updated ASUN 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. Liberty #46 (21-6, 12-2)
no change
The Flames picked up two wins at home this past week, with every win this season coming by at least 10 points. Saturday’s win over Eastern Kentucky was much closer than the final margin of 10 though. The regular season title and homecourt throughout the ASUN Tournament will likely be determined Thursday in Kennesaw.
This week: 2/16 at Kennesaw State, 2/18 at Jacksonville State
2. Kennesaw State #145 (20-7, 12-2)
no change
The Owls had two very tough tests last week against Jacksonville State in their same week home and home contests. Kennesaw used a buzzer beater on Thursday and then came from behind in the closing minutes Saturday to set up the first place battle Thursday.
This week: 2/16 vs Liberty, 2/18 vs Queens
3. Eastern Kentucky #175 (17-10, 10-4)
no change
The Colonels might have lost their shot at a regular season title with the loss at Liberty Saturday, but they certainly grabbed the respect of most of those watching. EKU will be a dangerous team in the conference tournament. Now, they turn their attention to securing at least a top three seed in the tourney.
This week: 2/16 vs Central Arkansas, 2/18 vs North Alabama
4. North Alabama #251 (16-11, 8-6)
3
Despite being counted out by many, the Lions continue to hang around in the thick of things in the league standings. North Alabama swept their two home games this week, knocking off Austin Peay and Lipscomb. A tough road trip to Kentucky looms.
This week: 2/16 at Bellarmine, 2/18 at Eastern Kentucky
5. Stetson #164 (14-11, 9-5)
1
The Hatters split their trip to Jacksonville this past week, defeating the Dolphins before falling at North Florida. Stetson will look to remain in the top four as they play FGCU a couple of times this week.
This week: 2/15 vs FGCU, 2/18 at FGCU
6. Lipscomb #176 (16-11, 8-6)
2
The Bisons saw their three-game win streak come to an end with a loss at North Alabama Saturday. With a strong finish to the regular season, Lipscomb can secure a home game in the ASUN Quarterfinals.
This week: 2/16 vs North Florida, 2/18 vs Jacksonville
7. Bellarmine #259 (12-15, 7-7)
2
The Knights continue to hang around in the middle of the conference standings, picking up a much needed win Saturday at Queens. Two winnable games at home this week for the defending tournament champs.
This week: 2/16 vs North Alabama, 2/18 vs Central Arkansas
8. North Florida #246 (11-15, 6-8)
1
The Ospreys got a much needed win Saturday over Stetson as they look to secure a spot in the 10-team ASUN Tournament.
This week: 2/16 at Lipscomb, 2/18 at Austin Peay
9. FGCU #174 (16-11, 6-8)
4
The five game losing streak for FGCU came to an end as they seem to have figured some things out by picking up two wins in Jacksonville over UNF and Jacksonville.
This week: 2/15 at Stetson, 2/18 vs Stetson
10. Queens #220 (16-11, 6-8)
2
The Royals were unable to hold serve at home, falling to EKU and Bellarmine. The first year Division I member will now hope to pick up a win on the road.
This week: 2/16 at Jacksonville State, 2/18 at Kennesaw State
11. Central Arkansas #329 (9-18, 4-10)
no change
UCA knocked off Austin Peay Saturday to stay in striking distance of reaching the ASUN Tournament. They likely need at least one win on the road this week to keep those hopes alive.
This week: 2/16 at Eastern Kentucky, 2/18 at Bellarmine
12. Jacksonville State #258 (10-17, 3-11)
no change
Despite losing both games this week, the Gamecocks are playing much better recently. JSU should have picked up at least one win over first-place Kennesaw State this past week but had their hopes slip away late in both games.
This week: 2/16 vs Queens, 2/18 vs Liberty
13. Jacksonville #234 (12-13, 5-9)
3
The Dolphins continue to struggle, losing four straight now following two losses at home against Stetson and FGCU.
This week: 2/16 at Austin Peay, 2/18 at Lipscomb
14. Austin Peay #321 (8-19, 2-12)
no change
The Governors have now lost 10 straight following their losses this past week at North Alabama and Central Arkansas.
This week: 2/16 vs Jacksonville, 2/18 vs North Florida
