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NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Seton Hall soars, Auburn drops

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 15: Seton Hall Pirates players react at the end of the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 15, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seton Hall defeated Butler 78-70. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 15: Seton Hall Pirates players react at the end of the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 15, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seton Hall defeated Butler 78-70. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 10: Coach Jacobson of the Panthers reacts. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 10: Coach Jacobson of the Panthers reacts. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Northern Iowa fell out of my Top 25 power rankings after a loss to Illinois State on the last day of 2019. Now, though, the Panthers are back in the mix following a five-game winning streak. They now sit at 16-2 (5-1 MVC) with their quality road win over Colorado still on the resume. Additionally, one of those two defeats came at the hands of West Virginia – nothing to be ashamed about.

During this current winning streak, Northern Iowa completed a season-sweep of Bradley. This was quite impressive, especially considering the Panthers dominated their road contest with the Braves in a 15-point win. The Panthers’ recent dominance during this streak has propelled them to the No. 45 spot on KenPom and their offense is a major reason why.

Trae Berhow and AJ Green make up easily one of the most dangerous scoring duos of the mid-major ranks and they can go toe-to-toe with just about any opponent in the country. While leading the way for Northern Iowa, these two are combining to average 33.6 points on 5.5 3PM per game. Green is one the leading the squad in scoring while Berhow has been the epitome of efficiency as a 50/40/90 candidate.

Northern Iowa has as good a chance as anyone to run the table down the closing stretch of this season. The Panthers are playing at a very high level and stick to their slow-paced and efficient style of play. They do still have both matchups with Loyola-Chicago left on the schedule, though.

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