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 5.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty #49 (19-6, 10-2)
no change
The top three teams have established themselves at the top of the standings as we enter the stretch run. The Flames saw their seven game win streak come to an end on Saturday with a loss at Lipscomb. It momentarily dropped Liberty half a game behind Kennesaw State. That only lasted for a couple of hours.
This week: 2/9 vs Bellarmine, 2/11 vs Eastern Kentucky
2. Kennesaw State #139 (18-7, 10-2)
no change
The Owls saw their eight game win streak halted on Saturday at Eastern Kentucky. KSU had a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the ASUN for the first time this season, but were outlasted by the Colonels on the road.
This week: 2/9 at Jacksonville State, 2/11 vs Jacksonville State
3. Eastern Kentucky #186 (16-9, 9-3)
no change
EKU has proven they belong in the upper echelon of the ASUN this season. They were the first team to knock off Liberty and then held home court and knocked off upstart Kennesaw State. This has set the Colonels up with the opportunity to make a run at the regular season title. That continues this week with two crucial road trips, including one at Liberty on Saturday.
This week: 2/9 at Queens, 2/11 at Liberty
4. Lipscomb #166 (15-10, 7-5)
4
The Bisons have been up and down at times throughout the year, but a win over Liberty on Saturday will put the rest of the league on notice that this Lipscomb team has championship aspirations. They will have to continue that strong play as Lipscomb goes on the road this week for two winnable games.
This week: 2/9 at Central Arkansas, 2/11 at North Alabama
5. Bellarmine #266 (11-14, 6-6)
1
The Knights nearly got a big upset win this past Thursday before falling to Kennesaw State in double overtime. Bellarmine bounced back quickly with a win at home over Jacksonville State on Saturday. A tough road trip to Liberty and Queens awaits this week.
This week: 2/9 at Liberty, 2/11 at Queens
6. Stetson #161 (13-10, 8-4)
3
Every time it seems like Stetson will begin to fall back of the teams at the top of the conference, they prove that to be inaccurate. The Hatters picked up two wins this past week and will now head to Jacksonville for two in-state, road contests this week.
This week: 2/9 at Jacksonville, 2/11 at North Florida
7. North Alabama #275 (14-11, 6-6)
2
The Lions got a split on the road in Florida this past week, losing to Stetson before knocking off FGCU in overtime for a nice win. The Lions return home and, with two wins this week, could move into the upper half of the league standings.
This week: 2/9 vs Austin Peay, 2/11 vs Lipscomb
8. Queens #209 (16-9, 6-6)
2
Queens split their two games on the road this past week and have now won three out of four to get to .500 in ASUN play.
This week: 2/9 vs Eastern Kentucky, 2/11 vs Bellarmine
9. North Florida #253 (10-14, 5-7)
4
The Ospreys picked up a sweep against their cross town rival, Jacksonville, this past week. UNF looks to be in good shape as far as making the conference tournament as one of the top 10 teams in the league.
This week: 2/9 vs FGCU, 2/11 vs Stetson
10. Jacksonville #225 (12-11, 5-7)
3
It’s been a disappointing season for the Dolphins so far this season. We will see if they can right the ship.
This week: 2/9 vs Stetson, 2/11 vs FGCU
11. Central Arkansas #330 (8-17, 3-9)
1
Central Arkansas is trying to stay alive for a top 10 spot to make the conference tournament. They earned a split this past week and will now try to hold serve at home.
This week: 2/9 vs Lipscomb, 2/11 vs Austin Peay
12. Jacksonville State #268 (10-15, 3-9)
1
The Gamecocks dropped their two games on the road this week, falling to Eastern Kentucky and Bellarmine. JSU now must play an angry Kennesaw State team who is coming off their first loss in about a month.
This week: 2/9 vs Kennesaw State, 2/11 at Kennesaw State
13. FGCU #192 (14-11, 4-8)
3
What has happened to FGCU? They were supposed to be one of the top teams in the league this season and had a very strong non-conference season. The Eagles dropped two at home this week to Central Arkansas and North Alabama to run their losing streak to five sraight and have lost 7 out of 8.
This week: 2/9 at North Florida, 2/11 at Jacksonville
14. Austin Peay #312 (8-17, 2-10)
no change
Austin Peay was competitive this week despite dropping both games this week, falling at home to Liberty and Queens.
This week: 2/9 at North Alabama, 2/11 at Central Arkansas
