Mid-major Basketball power rankings: Gonzaga, SDSU and Dayton ahead

Mid-major Basketball power rankings: Gonzaga, SDSU and Dayton dominates

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 28: Jordan Schakel #20, Yanni Wetzell #5 and KJ Feagin #10 of the San Diego State Aztecs celebrate after teammate Joel Mensah (not pictured) #35 dunked against the Creighton Bluejays during the 2019 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on November 28, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aztecs defeated the Bluejays 83-52. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 10: Head coach Ben Jacobson of the Northern Iowa Panthers (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

15. Northern Iowa Panthers

2019-20 record: 16-3 (5-2 in MVC)

With an underrated at-large resume, Northern Iowa has to navigate the rest of the Missouri Valley Conference schedule carefully. Unfortunately, they’re running out of chances, having just suffered a bad loss on the road at Southern Illinois. AJ Green (16 points on 6/15 shooting) had a rough night and the Panthers couldn’t overcome it. They must win at least 10 of the next 11 games to stay on the bubble, hoping other mid-majors fall in the stretch.

14. Akron Zips

2019-20 record: 15-4 (5-1 in MAC)

Akron was absolutely dominating their early MAC opponents until losing in a 99-89 shootout to Toledo last week. Zip leading scorer Loren Cristian Jackson’s career-high 33 points were overshadowed by 36 by Marreon Jackson on the other side. Akron did rebound with a 20-point win over Miami (OH) and is now tied with Bowling Green for first overall in the league.

13. Rhode Island Rams

2019-20 record: 13-5 (5-1 in Atlantic 10)

After dropping their conference opener to Richmond, the Rams have since won five straight, including over both VCU and most recently Duquesne. Fatts Russell continues to put on a show, while the collective defense for Rhode Island has been their primary reason for them being tied for second place in the league. They’ll be tested this upcoming week, with a pair of road matchups against George Mason and St. Bonaventure, who each have been struggling lately.

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