Here’s our updated Big South men’s basketball power rankings based on games played through January 4th.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote movement in power rankings since last ranking.
1. High Point 11-4, 4-0 #102
no change
High Point continues their impressive start to the season which has now carried over into the beginning of conference play. The Panthers beat Radford at home by 17 before winning at Charleston Southern. After the Blue Hose this weekend, Scott Cherry’s squad will be tested in a 3 game stretch that includes Winthrop, Coastal Carolina, and UNC-Asheville.
This week: 1/9 vs Presbyterian
2. UNC-Asheville 10-5, 3-0 #146
1
After consecutive road wins over the 2 LU’s, Asheville is suddenly one of only 2 unbeaten teams in Big South play. Ahmad Thomas scored a career-high 27 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 7 steals in the Bulldogs win over the Flames.
This week: 1/6 vs Winthrop, 1/9 @ Charleston Southern
3. Gardner-Webb 8-8, 3-1 #198
3
The Runnin’ Bulldogs make the biggest leap in the power rankings this week following wins over Coastal Carolina and Longwood. Two home games for Gardner-Webb this week as they look to continue their surge towards the top of the standings.
This week: 1/6 vs Campbell, 1/9 vs Radford
4. Coastal Carolina 8-6, 2-2 #167
1
The Chanticleers keep flashing their potential to 3-peat with performances like they had in a 19 point win over Winthrop, but they also have a couple head-scratching losses. Facing Liberty and Longwood this week should cure their ailments.
This week: 1/6 vs Liberty, 1/9 @ Longwood
5. Radford 8-7, 1-2 #185
1
The Highlanders took it on the chin against High Point on New Year’s Eve, but that may be commonplace for most of the league this season.
This week: 1/6 vs Charleston Southern, 1/9 @ Gardner-Webb
6. Winthrop 9-5, 2-2 #242
4
What is going on with the Eagles? After opening the season at 9-3 and 2-0 in conference, they’ve dropped consecutive games in head-scratching fashion. First, losing at home to Campbell, and then nearly getting run off the floor at Coastal Carolina. They look to right the ship at undefeated Asheville this week.
This week: 1/6 @ UNC-Asheville, 1/11 vs Ferrum
7. Campbell 8-6, 2-2 #286
no change
Campbell shocked the Big South world by knocking off Winthrop on the road, but, in typical Big South fashion, stumbled at home to Presbyterian.
This week: 1/6 @ Gardner-Webb, 1/9 @ Liberty
8. Charleston Southern 5-9, 1-2 #292
no change
The Buccaneers lost to High Point in their only DI game since our last Power Rankings. CSU led by 8 points with 8 minutes to play, but John Brown and the Panthers were too much down the stretch.
This week: 1/6 @ Radford, 1/9 vs UNC-Asheville
9. Presbyterian 6-8, 1-2 #323
no change
DeSean Murray’s 24 points led the way as PC upset Campbell on the road. Murray also chipped in 13 boards in the win. He continues to lead the Big South in scoring, currently averaging 20.9 points per game.
This week: 1/6 vs Longwood, 1/9 @ High Point
10. Longwood 4-12, 0-3 #318
no change
The Lancers lost to Asheville and Gardner-Webb, both on their home floor, by a combined 10 points. Longwood looks to end their 8 game losing streak to Division I opponents when they travel to Clinton, South Carolina to face the Blue Hose on Wednesday.
This week: 1/6 @ Presbyterian, 1/9 vs Coastal Carolina
11. Liberty 3-13, 0-3 #343
no change
The Flames have lost 12 straight following losses to VCU, Notre Dame, and UNC-Asheville. Coach McKay’s squad struggled in the first half against both VCU and UNCA before winning the 2nd half.
This week: 1/6 @ Coastal Carolina, 1/9 vs Campbell
