Conference play is well underway as we move towards the midpoint of ASUN games. There is still a long way to go as we inch towards the stretch run. Here is our updated ASUN Power Rankings, based on games played through January 22.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty #57 (16-5, 7-1)
1
It was a big week for the Flames, exorcising some demons on the road in Jacksonville. Liberty ended long home win streaks by both Jacksonville and North Florida, picking up a sweep on the road trip to North Florida for the first time since the team joined the ASUN.
This week: 1/26 vs Stetson, 1/28 vs FGCU
2. Kennesaw State #157 (15-6, 7-1)
1
The Owls are for real. They quieted any doubters this week with wins on the road against Stetson and FGCU, both teams competing in the top part of the league standings. Liberty and Kennesaw only play once in the regular season this year, a game in Georgia, that could go a long way in determining who wins the regular season title
This week: 1/26 vs Austin Peay, 1/28 vs Lipscomb
3. Lipscomb #172 (13-8, 5-3)
2
Just a couple weeks ago, the Bisons were only 1-3 in conference play, including a nearly 30 point loss at Liberty. It looked like Lipscomb was headed towards a tough season. They have turned that around quickly, winning four straight including a win this past week over the hottest team in the ASUN, Eastern Kentucky.
This week: 1/26 at Jacksonville State, 1/28 at Kennesaw State
4. Eastern Kentucky #191 (13-8, 6-2)
3
The Colonels saw their four-game impressive win streak come to an end on Thursday night at Lipscomb. They are still right in the mix at the top of the standings as they face the Bellarmine Knights twice this coming week.
This week: 1/26 at Bellarmine, 1/28 vs Bellarmine
5. Stetson #170 (11-8, 6-2)
1
The Hatters played an all-time classic on Thursday against Kennesaw State, narrowly losing in overtime. Now, Stetson has a tough road trip north to take on the Flames and Queens.
This week: 1/26 at Liberty, 1/28 at Queens
6. Jacksonville #189 (11-8, 4-4)
no change
The Dolphins may not compete for a regular season title, but their defensive ability will make them a tough out in the conference tournament. Jacksonville has two very winnable games this coming week.
This week: 1/26 at North Alabama, 1/28 at Central Arkansas
7. Bellarmine #259 (9-12, 4-4)
no change
The Knights won’t find themselves in the basement of the ASUN despite who is on their roster. Coach Davenport has a great culture in Louisville. Can they steal a game against EKU this week?
This week: 1/26 vs Eastern Kentucky, 1/28 at Eastern Kentucky
8. FGCU #163 (14-7, 4-4)
no change
What a disappointing start to conference play for FGCU. A team that looked like they would compete with Liberty for the top spot in the conference, but they drop another home game this past week, falling to Kennesaw State. Two tough road games this week and the Eagles could drop below .500 in conference play.
This week: 1/26 at Queens, 1/28 at Liberty
9. North Alabama #307 (11-10, 3-5)
4
The Lions proved they aren’t the worst team in the league this week, sweeping Central Arkansas in their two games. A win at home this coming week would be huge for UNA’s confidence moving forward.
This week: 1/26 vs Jacksonville, 1/28 vs North Florida
10. North Florida #268 (8-12, 3-5)
2
The Ospreys are always a tough out on their home floor, but they have to learn how to win on the road. Two good opportunities for UNF this week.
This week: 1/26 at Central Arkansas, 1/28 at North Alabama
11. Jacksonville State #291 (8-13, 1-7)
1
The Gamecocks weren’t expected to be at the top of the standings this year, but being in the basement wasn’t expected either.
This week: 1/26 vs Lipscomb, 1/28 vs Austin Peay
12. Queens #211 (13-8, 3-5)
1
The Royals have lost 4 out of 5 and 5 out of 7 as they attempt to end that streak this week with two tough games on their home floor in Charlotte.
This week: 1/26 vs FGCU, 1/28 vs Stetson
13. Central Arkansas #337 (6-15, 1-7)
4
Every time I think the Bears are ready to make a statement and move out of the basement, they disappoint. This week, UCA was swept by North Alabama.
This week: 1/26 vs North Florida, 1/28 vs Jacksonville
14. Austin Peay #297 (8-13, 2-6)
no change
4 straight losses for the Governors, including three of those contests being at home. Things won’t get easier this week.
This week: 1/26 at Kennesaw State, 1/28 at Jacksonville State
