Atlantic 10 Basketball power rankings: Dayton, Duquesne and VCU on top

4. Saint Louis Billikens

2019-20 record: 14-3 (3-1)

After losing away from home to Duquesne to start conference play, Saint Louis has since ripped off three straight victories, including UMass in overtime and on the road at Richmond. Leading the way is arguably the best duo in the conference, Jordan Goodwin and Hasahn French, who each average a double-double and combine to produce nearly 30 ppg on the season. Javonte Perkins and freshman guard Yuri Collins have also been effective performers.

With Richmond and others facing injury issues, the Billikens have to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities. With Dayton at home coming up next, Saint Louis could easily find themselves on the right side of upcoming Bracketology predictions. They’ll need the guard play to step up big time to compete with the Flyers

3. VCU Rams

2019-20 record: 12-5 (2-2)

Being one of many to get blasted by Dayton isn’t a problem but VCU getting outplayed at home by Rhode Island in this week’s nine-point defeat was surprising. The past offensive concerns have come back to the Rams in the past few weeks, with both Marcus Evans and Issac Vann struggling to produce at a high level. Junior forward Marcus Santos-Silva has played well, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding (13.1 ppg and 8.9 rpg) but being dead-last in conference three-point shooting puts the Rams in a vulnerable situation.

With no bad losses and a win over LSU on the resume, VCU still has the chance to be an at-large candidate. But unless their offense improves quick, fast and in a hurry, they won’t be able to go on the run in league play to put themselves in a good position. They may have to find a way to beat Dayton at home on February 18.