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 few of weeks of conference pla. Here is our inaugural CUSA Power Rankings, based on games played through January 22.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Louisiana Tech #87 (13-6, 3-1)
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Isaiah Crawford scored 30 points and added five steals as the Bulldogs defeated Jacksonville State on the road, 74-57. A very impressive outing for Louisiana Tech, the highest ranked CUSA team in both KenPom and NET. The Bulldogs are now in a tie for first place atop the standings.
This week: 1/25 vs UTEP, 1/27 vs New Mexico State
2. Sam Houston #189 (10-9, 3-1)
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The Bearkats had just one game this past week, a loss at Liberty. That’s something that the opposition has found common in recent years, finding it very difficult to win on the road in Lynchburg. It stopped a perfect 3-0 start to conference play for Sam Houston who will look to bounce back at home this week.
This week: 1/25 vs New Mexico State, 1/27 vs UTEP
3. New Mexico State #222 (9-10, 3-1)
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The Aggies have suddenly surged to the top of the CUSA standings thanks to a couple of wins at home last week. They were able to pick up a two-point win over WKU before outlasting Middle Tennessee. Can NMSU continue their strong play on the road?
This week: 1/25 @ Sam Houston, 1/27 @ Louisiana Tech
4. UTEP #205 (11-8, 2-2)
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The Miners got in the win column with its first two conference wins this season, knocking off Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. UTEP is now 2-2 in conference play and will look to continue its win streak with a tough two-game road swing this week.
This week: 1/25 @ Louisiana Tech, 1/27 @ Sam Houston
5. Western Kentucky #154 (13-6, 2-3)
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WKU was one of the hottest teams in CUSA prior to hitting the road for two games this past week, falling to both UTEP and New Mexico State. The Hilltoppers have now slipped to 2-3 in conference play and will look to turn things around at home this coming week.
This week: 1/25 vs FIU, 1/27 vs Sam Houston
6. Liberty #95 (13-7, 2-3)
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The Flames got two very much needed wins this past week, knocking off FIU and previously CUSA unbeaten Sam Houston to notch its first ever wins in Conference USA. Liberty hits the road and plays just one game this week, taking on Jacksonville State on Saturday. Liberty will be looking to even the season series against the Gamecocks after losing at home to them earlier this month.
This week: 1/27 @ Jacksonville State
7. Jacksonville State #169 (10-9, 2-2)
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It was a disappointing loss at home for Jacksonville State on Saturday, falling by 17 points to Louisiana Tech. Two winnable but tough games await the Gamecocks this week beginning Wednesday against Middle Tennessee.
This week: 1/24 @ Middle Tennessee, 1/27 vs Liberty
8. FIU #247 (7-12, 2-2)
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FIU dropped its lone game of the week, falling at Liberty in a closely contested game on Thursday night. The Panthers continue their road trip, playing at WKU and MIddle Tennessee this week.
This week: 1/25 @ Western Kentucky, 1/27 @ Middle Tennessee
9. Middle Tennessee #300 (6-13, 0-4)
no change
Two more losses for the Blue Raiders, losing at UTEP and New Mexico State this past week. It feels like this week is crucial for Middle Tennessee if they are going to be able to string together some wins. Facing Jacksonville State and FIU, both at home, appear to be winnable.
This week: 1/24 vs Jacksonville State, 1/27 vs FIU
