The calendar has turned to January and that can only mean one thing – we are full on into conference play! The CUSA has completed its first couple of weeks of conference play with everyone having played at least two league games so far. Here is our inaugural CUSA Power Rankings, based on games played through January 15.

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

1. Sam Houston #186 (10-8, 3-0)

The Bearkats have been impressive early in conference play, their first year in the new CUSA. First year head coach Chris Mudge has continued the winning tradition for Sam Houston, who has protected home court against two of the better teams in the league in Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky and picked up a road win at Middle Tennessee. They have a week off before taking on Liberty in Lynchburg.

This week: 1/20 @ Liberty

2. Western Kentucky #148 (13-4, 2-1)

The Hilltoppers seem to be back near the top of the CUSA this season in Steve Lutz’s first year leading the charge. WKU has knocked off Liberty and Jacksonville State while falling on the road at Sam Houston. Two road tests await this week.

This week: 1/18 @ New Mexico State, 1/20 @ UTEP

3. Louisiana Tech #98 (12-6, 2-1)

Isaiah Crawford and Daniel Batcho may be the best tandem in the league for head coach Talvin Hester. Louisiana Tech dropped its league opener at Sam Houston, but they have rebounded with wins over Middle Tennessee and Liberty. The Bulldogs have the talent to contend for the league title this year.

This week: 1/20 @ Jacksonville State

4. Jacksonville State #150 (10-8, 2-1)

Many counted head coach Ray Harper and the Gamecocks out entering this season, their first in Conference USA, but they have proven to be a tough out early in league play. The win at Liberty certainly grabbed some attention, and their only loss came at Western Kentucky in a game they led most of the contest. KyKy Tandy is the early favorite for CUSA Player of the Year.

This week: 1/20 vs Louisiana Tech

5. FIU #252 (7-11, 2-1)

After a conference opening loss at Jacksonville State, the Panthers have taken care of business at home with wins over New Mexico State and UTEP. FIU utilized a furious comeback in the closing minutes to knock off the Miners on Saturday. Now, they hit the road for a tough test against a hungry Liberty team.

This week: 1/18 @ Liberty

6. New Mexico State #244 (7-10, 1-1)

The Aggies still seem to be a question as we enter the last half of January. Just how good can they be in conference play? They defeated UTEP in their CUSA opener but then loss at FIU. Two home games await this week. If they can win both, they enter the conversation among the top half of the conference.

This week: 1/18 vs Western Kentucky, 1/20 vs Middle Tennessee

7. UTEP #228 (9-8, 0-2)

The Miners get two crucial home contests this week after dropping two straight to open CUSA play. Losses at New Mexico State and FIU are in the rear view and now UTEP hopes to pick up some steam on their home floor.

This week: 1/18 vs Middle Tennessee, 1/20 vs Western Kentucky

8. Liberty #95 (11-7, 0-3)

It has certainly been a disappointing and underwhelming start to its new conference home in the CUSA for the Liberty Flames. Two losses on the road, against two of the better teams in the league, by one possession sandwich a 10-point home loss to Jacksonville State. The Flames have two games back at Liberty Arena with the students back in town this week. Would a loss this week mean it’s time to sound the panic alarm?

This week: 1/18 vs FIU, 1/20 vs Sam Houston

9. Middle Tennessee #287 (6-11, 0-2)

The CUSA co-preseason favorite (with Liberty), the Blue Raiders have had a tough go of it so far this season. Middle has lost its first two league games, both of them coming on its home floor, against Louisiana Tech and Sam Houston. Now, they must hit the road for two contests this week.

This week: 1/18 @ UTEP, 1/20 @ New Mexico State