For most teams around the country, attention will begin to turn full time to basketball season. It’s no different for us here at ASOR, and with it that means its time for our first CUSA Power Rankingso f the new season. These are based on games played through December 1.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty #65 (8-1)
no change
It has been a terrific start for the Flames this season. With a new look roster, the four added transfers have blended in seamlessly with the three returning starters and Liberty is looking like a real contender in CUSA>
This week: 12/7 vs Mississippi Valley State
2. Louisiana Tech #105 (7-1)
no change
The preseason favorites, Louisiana Tech was looking every bit the part of that in the first month of the season with wins that included UT Arlington, UMass, and Richmond. Their unbeaten start came to a crashing halt on Saturday with a loss at home to Southern. A nice test for the Bulldogs on Wednesday at Memphis.
This week: 12/4 @ Memphis, 12/7 @ Louisiana
3. Middle Tennessee #134 (6-2)
no change
After a disappointing season last year, the Blue Raiders have gotten off to a strong start. They have three wins against teams ranked in the top 200 of KenPom in Ohio, South Florida, and UAB. Their two losses came against top 100 teams in Murray State and Bradley.
This week: 12/4 vs Rhodes, 12/7 @ Belmont
4. Kennesaw State #169 (6-3)
no change
The newcomers to CUSA, Kennesaw State has arguably the best win in the league so far this season when they knocked off Rutgers who was ranked in the top 25 at the time. The Owls also have a nice win over Towson on a neutral site. Their losses have come against Cal Baptist, UC Irvine, and Kent State.
This week: 12/6 @ Georgia State
5. Western Kentucky #122 (4-3)
no change
The defending CUSA champs, WKU has had a solid start to the new seasons. Their losses have all come against top 100 teams in Kentucky, Wichita State, and Grand Canyon. Wins over Lipscomb and Marshall are pretty good, as well. It looks like they will be right in the mix of things at the top of CUSA once again.
This week: 12/7 @ Evansville
6. UTEP #173 (5-2)
no change
The Miners have quietly had a solid start to the season. Their losses came against Utah Valley and San Jose State while their wins include UC Santa Barbara and UNC Greensboro. A nice test awaits this week against Seattle before UTEP plays at Louisville.
This week: 12/7 vs Seattle
7. Sam Houston #128 (4-4)
no change
The Bearkats have been hampered by injuries, leading to a couple of their losses including against Appalachian State and UNC Wilmington. Their best win is currently over Colgate.
This week: 12/3 @ Indiana, 12/7 vs Texas Southern
8. Jacksonville State #174 (4-3)
no change
The Gamecocks got out to a 4-1 start with wins over Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, and East Carolina. Since then though, they lost a couple of neutral site contests against Toledo and James Madison.
This week: 12/2 vs Columbia International, 12/8 @ South Alabama
9. New Mexico State #208 (3-4)
no change
The Aggies started the season 3-0 but have lost four straight against Dayton, UNLV, Pepperdine, and Bowling Green. NMSU will look to get back on track at home on Wednesday against Abilene Christian.
This week: 12/4 vs Abilene Christian, 12/7 @ New Mexico
10. FIU #249 (2-5)
no change
The Panthers currently reside in the basement of the CUSA power rankings as they have only one Division I win coming against Cal State Bakersfiled in overtime. Their losses include Rice, Southern Utah, Howard, Northeastern, and FGCU.
This week: 12/4 vs FAU, 12/6 vs New College of Florida
