NCAA Basketball: Top 25 mid-major teams through non-conference play
Honorable mentions
Of the 300 total votes that were listed among the 12 voters, 45 different mid-majors received at least one vote. Several received multiple and were just outside the top-25 once everything was added up. Here’s a look at the five teams who just barely missed out, along with the rest.
Kent State Golden Flash (10-2)
After missing the first six games of the season due to a suspension, senior guard Jaylin Walker has been tremendous, averaging over 25 ppg in leading the team to wins over Vanderbilt and Oregon State. In a conference looking for contenders against the clear frontrunner in the MAC, Kent State poses a threat in a one-game scenario.
Hofstra Pride (11-3)
Led by the reigning CAA Player of the Year Justin Wright-Foreman, the Pride are currently on an eight-game winning streak, though four of them did come against a very down MAAC. Wright-Foreman is averaging around 25 ppg, making Hofstra a dangerous team to face in March.
Montana Grizzlies (7-4)
The preseason Big Sky favorites have a strong win over Georgia State but not much else on the resume that warrants a spot on the top-25. Still, power conference schools are hoping Montana doesn’t make the NCAA Tournament, with senior guards Ahmaad Rorie and Michael Oguine looking as strong a mid-major backcourt in the country.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits (10-5)
Upset losses to Tulane and Florida Gulf Coast hurt the Jackrabbits early on but the near massive win over unbeaten Nevada reminded folks how dangerous this team can be when clicking. They also are much more than Mike Daum, with David Jenkins and Skyler Flatten each capable of putting up gaudy numbers of their own at times. South Dakota State should run through the Summit with little issues.
New Mexico State Aggies (10-3)
Season sweeps over New Mexico, Washington State, and UTEP doesn’t mean much these days, which is all that New Mexico State has on the schedule so far. Their best performance actually came into the loss at No. 2 Kansas, where they nearly pulled the upset. New Mexico State is once again the favorites in the WAC but will hope that some of their non-conference wins start to look better so they can avoid another 15/16 seed in the Big Dance.