Busting Brackets
Fansided

Mid-major Basketball power rankings: Rhode Island, New Mexico State make moves

By Tristan Freeman

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 11: The Harvard Crimson huddles during the first half of the Men's Ivy League Championship Tournament at The Palestra on March 11, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 11: The Harvard Crimson huddles during the first half of the Men's Ivy League Championship Tournament at The Palestra on March 11, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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DAYTON, OH – JANUARY 22: Obi Toppin #1 and Jalen Crutcher #10 of the Dayton Flyers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH – JANUARY 22: Obi Toppin #1 and Jalen Crutcher #10 of the Dayton Flyers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. BYU Cougars (18-7, 7-3 in WCC)

A 21-0 run by San Francisco was the reason why BYU lost at the Hilltop a couple of weeks ago. But the Cougars made up for it and more by defeating Saint Mary’s last Saturday in a thriller, thanks to a game-winning three-pointer by TJ Haws. This team is No. 1 in the country in three-point shooting overall, with six players making at least 39% from deep.

The team is getting healthier too. Star forward Yoeli Childs is back from a finger injury, while Jake Toolson avoided missing time after an ankle injury against Saint Mary’s. And they’re set to get sophomore forward Gavin Baxter for the first time this season after suffering a shoulder injury in the offseason. He adds needed depth in the frontcourt and is an athletic shot-blocker. They look to continue winning and get that coveted No. 2 seed in the WCC Tournament.

3. Dayton Flyers (20-2, 9-0 in Atlantic 10)

The Flyers have been getting everyone’s best shot from the A-10 and has had some close calls on the road. Both Richmond and Duquesne have pushed Dayton for all 40 minutes but All-American candidate Obi Toppin has been just too much for these teams. While San Diego State and Gonzaga have gotten a lot of the national attention, the Flyers have been (pardon the pun), flying under the radar lately. That’s mainly due to not being unbeaten overall like the Aztecs or having the longevity the Bulldogs do.

The good news for the Flyers is that they can enjoy being at home for a little bit. They already took care of Fordham earlier this week but will face tougher tests, with Rhode Island and Saint Louis coming to town. Each could use a massive win for their bubble hopes so expect a fierce fight in the coming days.

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