An updated look at our ASUN men’s basketball Power Rankings as conference play begins this week.This week’s Power Rankings are based on games played through January 2nd.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty 9-6 #124
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After starting the year with losses in their first three Division I games, questions were beginning to be asked about this year’s Liberty Flames. Since then, the three-time defending ASUN champs have won 8 out of 11 games with all three losses coming against teams ranked in the top 150 of KenPom. Reigning ASUN Player of the Year Darius McGhee has firmly placed himself among the mid-season favorites to win that award once again.
This week: 1/4 @ Stetson, 1/8 vs Kennesaw State
2. Jacksonville St 7-6 #127
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As expected, ASUN newcomer Jacksonville State looks to be one of the top challengers in the league this season. They have played a challenging non-conference schedule and have picked up several solid wins.
This week: 1/4 vs Bellarmine 1/8 @ North Alabama
3. Eastern Kentucky 8-6 #188
no change
Much like Jacksonville State, the EKU Colonels are expected to compete at the top of the ASUN. After dropping five straight earlier this season, Eastern Kentucky has bounced back with three straight victories, including a 13 point overtime win against in-state foe Northern Kentucky.
This week: 1/4 vs Central Arkansas, 1/8 @ Bellarmine
4. FGCU 10-4 #187
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The Eagles have clearly established themselves among the leaders of the ASUN following the conclusion of the non-conference play. With consecutive years of losing records in conference play, all eyes will be on FGCU this year to see if they have truly turned the corner.
This week: 1/5 vs North Florida, 1/8 @ Jacksonville
5. Jacksonville 8-4 #226
no change
Clearly the surprise of the season in the ASUN under first year head coach Jordan Mincy, the Dolphins have put together a solid resume in the non-con. Will it translate to a solid conference season?
This week: 1/5 @ Kennesaw State, 1/8 vs FGCU
6. Lipscomb 7-8 #262
no change
The Bisons got out to a strong start at 5-2 to begin the year, but they have since lost 7 out of 10 games with their wins during that span coming against two non-Division I opponents and Alabama A&M who is currently 1-9 on the season and ranked as one of the worst teams in all of DI.
This week: 1/4 vs North Alabama, 1/8 @ Central Arkansas
7. Bellarmine 6-8 #215
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Last year’s ASUN surprise, the Bellarmine Knights have had a mixed bag so far this season. They dropped their first five games of the season before winning five of six (though four of those games were against non-DI opponents). The Knights went 1-2 in their last three games, with a win over Miami (OH) and losses to South Dakota and Loyola Marymount.
This week: 1/4 @ Jacksonville State, 1/8 vs Eastern Kentucky
8. Stetson 6-7 #245
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The Hatters enter conference play winners in four out of their past five contests. Of course, three of those wins were against non-DI opponents. Stetson has made it tough on Liberty throughout the Flames’ time in the league and they will be looking to do the same thing to open league play on Tuesday.
This week: 1/4 vs Liberty, 1/8 @ North Florida
9. Kennesaw St 5-8 #271
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The Owls have resided in the ASUN’s basement for the past few years, but they are hoping to rise some this year. KSU ends non-conference play with a 1-8 mark against Division I opponents with their only win coming against Charleston Southern.
This week: 1/5 vs Jacksonville, 1/8 @ Liberty
10. North Alabama 7-6 #283
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Playing against some tough competition, North Alabama has lost three out of four. Those losses have come against Auburn, UCF, and Gonzaga. The Lions have picked up four non-Division I wins this season.
This week: 1/4 @ Lipscomb, 1/8 vs Jacksonville State
11. North Florida 4-9 #289
no change
The Ospreys are 1-9 against Division I opponents this year; however, six of those losses have come against teams ranked in the KenPom top 120.
This week: 1/5 @ FGCU, 1/8 vs Stetson
12. Central Arkansas 3-10 #345
no change
The Bears had a nice win over Oral Roberts on Nov. 20, but other than that there hasn’t been much celebrating for one of the new ASUN members. The Bears are winless against Division I opponents in its other 10 opportunities.
This week: 1/4 @ Eastern Kentucky, 1/8 vs Lipscomb
