The CUSA has completed its first few of weeks of conference play. Here is our updated CUSA Power Rankings, based on games played through January 28.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Louisiana Tech #79 (15-6, 5-1)
no change
The Bulldogs continue to look like they are the class of CUSA this season, as they conclude the first month in conference play at 5-1. They held serve at home with wins over UTEP and New Mexico State, both by double figures. In a league where there are only 4 road wins in conference play so far, La Tech owns 2 of those.
This week: 2/1 @ FIU
2. Sam Houston #184 (12-9, 5-1)
no change
The only team to beat Louisiana Tech in conference play so far this year is Sam Houston, who knocked off the Bulldogs back in the conference opener for both. The Bearkats bounced back from its first setback in league play this year with two wins at home over New Mexico State and UTEP.
This week: 2/1 @ Western Kentucky, 2/3 @ FIU
3. Western Kentucky #158 (14-6, 3-3)
2
The Hilltoppers won its only game of the week, scoring 105 points in the win over FIU on Thursday. Two more home games this week for WKU as it looks to draw closer to the two teams currently in first place.
This week: 2/1 vs Sam Houston, 2/3 vs Middle Tennessee
4. Jacksonville State #166 (11-10, 3-3)
3
After losing at Middle Tennessee on Wednesday night, the Gamecocks bounced back with a nice win at home over Liberty. JSU sweeps the season series over the Flames, one of two teams picked as the preseason favorite in CUSA this year. Jax State hits the road now for two tough games.
This week: 2/1 @ UTEP, 2/3 @ New Mexico State
5. UTEP #202 (11-10, 2-4)
1
It was a tough road trip where the Miners went 0-2 on the week, but losing at Louisiana Tech and Sam Houston is nothing to scoff at as no one has picked up a win at either of those places in conference play this season.
This week: 2/1 vs Jacksonville State, 2/3 vs Liberty
6. New Mexico State #241 (9-12, 3-3)
3
Like UTEP, the Aggies faced the same two opponents on the road this past week, losing to both Sam Houston and Louisiana Tech.
This week: 2/1 vs Liberty, 2/3 vs Jacksonville State
7. Liberty #102 (13-8, 2-4)
1
The Flames only played one game this week, but disappointingly lost at Jacksonville State by 11 points. Liberty has not lost more than 4 games in a regular season in conference play since the 2017-18 season Unless the team goes 10-0 the rest of the way, it will surpass that mark. The road trip continues this week at New Mexico State and UTEP.
This week: 2/1 @ New Mexico State, 2/3 @ UTEP
8. Middle Tennessee #280 (8-13, 2-4)
1
The Blue Raiders got in the win column for the first time in conference play this season, picking up back to back wins on its home floor this week. First, Middle Tennessee defeated Jacksonville State on Wednesday, and then they picked a win over FIU on Saturday.
This week: 2/3 @ Western Kentucky
9. FIU #272 (7-14, 2-4)
1
It was a tough week for the Panthers, losing two on the road at Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. They have now dropped three straight overall with the top two teams in the conference coming to Miami this week.
This week: 2/1 vs La Tech, 2/3 vs Sam Houston
