Here’s our updated Big South men’s basketball power rankings based on games played through January 21st as we are approaching the midway point of the conference season.

Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote movement in power rankings since last ranking.

1. Winthrop 15-4, 7-1 #124

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The Eagles are alone in first place after two impressive wins against their top 2 challengers, first defeating Asheville on ESPNU before knocking off Liberty in Lynchburg. Winthrop has now won 6 straight and 11 out of their last 12. One of their toughest remaining games is on Thursday at Gardner-Webb.

This week: 1/26 @ Gardner-Webb, 1/28 vs High Point

2. UNC-Asheville 14-7, 6-2 #104

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The Bulldogs are 5-1 in their last 6 games with their only loss coming at Winthrop by 3 points. David Robertson has been hot during conference play, averaging 12.6 points per game. His assertion has given Asheville that 3rd scoring option behind Ahmad Thomas and MaCio Teague, making Coach McDevitt’s squad so tough to defend.

This week: 1/26 @ Presbyterian, 1/28 vs Radford

3. Liberty 11-10, 6-2 #240

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With one game left in the first half of Big South play, the Flames have taken care of business against everyone in the league not named Winthrop or Asheville. Coach McKay’s squad currently ranks #35 in the country in scoring defense. Liberty will put their perfect 4-0 mark on the road in the Big South on the line this week for two more tests.

This week: 1/26 @ Longwood, 1/28 @ Campbell

4. High Point 10-10, 4-4 #274

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The middle of the conference standings are so jumbled as evidenced by the Panthers’ conference season this far. They opened league play 1-4 with 3 home losses, but have rebounded nicely with 3 consecutive wins including 2 on the road.

This week: 1/26 vs Charleston Southern, 1/28 @ Winthrop

5. Gardner-Webb 11-10, 4-4 #221

   no change

The Runnin’ Bulldogs have had a difficult time trying to find consistency as they have alternated wins and losses the last 4 times out. Two stiff challenges for Tim Craft’s squad this week as they continue to battle to try to stay in the top half of the league.

This week: 1/26 vs Winthrop, 1/28 @ Charleston Southern

6. Radford 9-11, 4-4 #265

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The Highlanders raced out to such an impressive start with their first 2 games in Big South play being wins over Asheville and Winthrop. Since that time, Radford is 2-4 with their only wins coming against Presbyterian and Longwood.

This week: 1/26 vs Campbell, 1/28 vs UNC Asheville

7. Campbell 10-10, 3-5 #286

   no change

Campbell has lost 3 straight, but two of those losses have come against Winthrop and UNCA. As long as the Camels have a healthy Chris Clemons on the court, they have the potential to knock off most Big South teams.

This week: 1/26 @ Radford, 1/28 vs Liberty

8. Charleston Southern 7-12, 3-5 #303

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The Buccaneers put to end a 7 game losing streak dating back to early December when they knocked off Radford a couple weeks ago. Including their win over the Highlanders, CSU has won 3 out of 4 as they attempt to get into mix in the middle of the Big South standings.

This week: 1/26 @ High Point, 1/28 vs Gardner-Webb

9. Longwood 6-13, 3-5 #346

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The Lancers started Big South play 3-0, and some how knocked off High Point on the road during that stretch. Since that time, Longwood has come back to reality, losing 5 straight by an average of 14.4 points.

This week: 1/26 vs Liberty, 1/28 @ Presbyterian

10. Presbyterian 4-15, 0-8 #350

   no change

Just about the only thing left to watch with the Blue Hose is to see if they remain winless in the Big South. KenPom gives them a 17.8% chance of that happening, and perhaps their final realistic opportunity for a win comes this Saturday as they host Longwood.

This week: 1/26 vs UNC Asheville, 1/28 vs Longwood