Some changes took place across the mid-major landscape this week. It may be a quick trigger, but there is a new team at the top after a loss that was simply too poor to ignore. Meanwhile, the top two teams in the rankings are absolutely red hot. Let’s see if anything changes over the next week. Here are the latest Mid-Major Top 10 power rankings.
10. Liberty Flames (16-3)
NET: 71
Liberty is new to the rankings and earns a spot as a writer’s choice. While the NET number sits outside the top 70, a 13-game winning streak is impossible to overlook. The Flames have essentially wrapped up Conference USA, leading Sam Houston by 3.5 games. Their most recent win was a six-point victory over Delaware, with Colin Porter scoring 23 points. Liberty is home Saturday against Missouri State, then travels to New Mexico State and UTEP.
9. VCU Rams (17-6)
NET: 50
VCU moves back into the top 10 after a few weeks out. The Rams have the most losses of any team in the rankings, but there is no truly damaging loss on the résumé. They have won six straight, including a four-point road win at Fordham. VCU stays home next to face Dayton before road trips to La Salle on February 11 and Richmond on February 14.
8. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (20-3)
NET: 46
Tulsa has quietly reached the 20-win mark. The Golden Hurricane’s losses came at Kansas State and twice in conference play, at North Texas and at home against South Florida. Tulsa has won seven straight, capped by a two-point road win at Florida Atlantic. A return trip to South Florida is next, followed by home games against UAB and a road trip to Wichita State on Valentine’s Day.
7. Santa Clara Broncos (20-5)
NET: 39
Santa Clara continues to build a résumé that is hard to ignore. The Broncos’ losses include a one-point defeat to Saint Louis, games against New Mexico and Arizona State, and a poor loss to Loyola Chicago. Their most recent setback came at Gonzaga, but they have responded by winning seven straight. Santa Clara is at Washington State on Saturday before hosting Seattle on February 11.
6. Belmont Bruins (20-3)
NET: 58
Belmont jumps up the rankings and sits atop the Missouri Valley Conference, two games clear of Murray State and Bradley. The Bruins have won eight straight and scored 103 points in each of their last two games. As a team, Belmont averages 84 points per game. Next up is a road swing through Illinois with games at UIC and Bradley.
5. Saint Mary's Gaels (19-4)
NET: 29
Saint Mary’s slips one spot after another loss to Gonzaga. While that defeat is understandable, the Gaels still need to find a way to get over that hurdle. They bounced back with a blowout home win over San Diego. Paulius Murauskas leads the team at 18.7 points per game. Saint Mary’s faces San Francisco on Saturday and Pepperdine next.
4. Utah State Aggies (19-3)
NET: 22
Utah State jumps up after strong play combined with others sliding. The Aggies have won four straight, highlighted by a 20-point road win at New Mexico following a home win over San Diego State. Utah State is now tied atop the Mountain West with the Aztecs. The schedule eases slightly with a trip to Wyoming, then home games against Fresno State and Memphis.
3. Gonzaga Bulldogs (22-2)
NET: 9
Gonzaga falls from the top spot after a surprising road loss at Portland, a team that was 10-14 entering the game. The Bulldogs’ other loss was a 40-point defeat earlier in the season, leaving some lingering questions. Graham Ike leads Gonzaga at 19 points per game, but defensive issues showed in the midweek loss. Gonzaga looks to bounce back at Oregon State before hosting Washington State.
2. Miami (OH) RedHawks (23-0)
NET: 52
Miami OH moves up to No. 2 and remains unbeaten. The RedHawks’ NET ranking trails others near the top, but 23 straight wins carry serious weight. They are coming off a two-point road win at Buffalo and stay away from home with a Saturday afternoon game at Marshall. After that, Miami hosts Ohio and then travels to UMass.
1. Saint Louis Billikens (21-1)
NET: 15
Josh Schertz’s team has not lost since the final game of November. Saint Louis is fresh off a road win at Davidson, their third road victory in the last five games, alongside wins at Duquesne and St. Bonaventure. The Billikens lead the Atlantic 10 by two games. A softer stretch is coming, but focus remains key with upcoming games against La Salle, Loyola Chicago, and Rhode Island.
Just three to four weeks remain in the regular season before conference tournaments begin. Many of these teams look capable of making a serious run when the spotlight gets brighter. Enjoy the games, and we’ll be back next week.
Dropped from the rankings
- Yale Bulldogs (14-4)
- New Mexico Lobos (17-5)
- George Mason Patriots (19-3)
Others in consideration
- Akron Zips (17-4)
- San Diego State Aztecs (15-6)