Every season, the Bottom 10 offers a view of programs looking for answers. Whether it is scoring droughts, defensive breakdowns, coaching transitions, or brutal schedules, these teams are fighting uphill battles night after night. This week’s rankings feature familiar names, a few small shifts, and limited optimism as January moves forward.
Bottom of the Barrel: College Basketball’s Toughest Week Yet
356. Western Illinois Leathernecks (4-15)
Western Illinois enters the Bottom 10 for the first time this season. The Leathernecks have dropped eight straight games since back-to-back wins over Hannibal-LaGrange and North Dakota. Recent losses include road defeats at Eastern Illinois and Little Rock. The road does not get easier, with upcoming trips to Morehead State on Thursday and Southern Indiana on Saturday.
357. UL Monroe Warhawks (3-16)
UL Monroe owns just three wins, two of which came against non-Division I opponents. The Warhawks have lost nine straight games, including double-digit defeats at Southern Miss and at home against Georgia State. A difficult road swing continues with trips to Marshall and Appalachian State.
358. Binghamton Bearcats (4-16)
Binghamton remains winless in America East play and has lost five straight games since early December. The Bearcats average 66.8 points per game while allowing 75.2. They travel to New Hampshire on Thursday and Maine on Saturday before returning home to face Bryant on January 29.
359. South Carolina State Bulldogs (3-16)
Previously ranked 361, South Carolina State has shown modest improvement with two wins in its last four games. Victories over Howard and Coppin State provided a spark before an 89-82 home loss to Norfolk State. Upcoming games against Maryland Eastern Shore and Delaware State present an opportunity to climb out of the Bottom 10.
360. Rider Broncs (2-16)
Rider moves up slightly after a rare win over Iona earlier this month. Since then, the Broncs have dropped two straight, including a home loss to Sacred Heart in which they allowed 104 points. Rider averages just 62.6 points per game and hits the road next for games at Mount St. Mary’s and Manhattan.
361. Kansas City Roos (4-16)
Kansas City slides into the Bottom 10 amid a four-game losing streak and a coaching change, with Marvin Menzies set not to return. Losses to North Dakota State, North Dakota, South Dakota, and South Dakota State followed a road win at Omaha. The Roos next host Omaha and Denver before traveling to St. Thomas.
362. Chicago State Cougars (2-17)
Chicago State drops two spots after extending its losing streak to eight games. The Cougars’ last win came against Loyola, and they recently fell by six at home to New Haven. Still winless in NEC play, Chicago State faces road games at Saint Francis and Mercyhurst.
363. Coppin State Eagles (3-18)
Coppin State slips another spot following its third straight loss, a close road defeat at Maryland Eastern Shore. The Eagles score just 65 points per game while allowing over 84. Khali Horton leads the team at 8.4 points per game. A road game at Norfolk State is followed by a three-game homestand.
364. Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (2-18)
Gardner-Webb remains near the bottom after six straight losses, including a 38-point home defeat to Presbyterian. The Runnin’ Bulldogs allow nearly 89 points per game. Spence Sims leads the team at 11 points per contest. Road and home matchups with Longwood and SC Upstate are next.
365. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (1-19)
Mississippi Valley State holds firm at the bottom. Recent losses include blowouts against Texas Southern, Bethune-Cookman, and Florida A&M. The Delta Devils average just 62.8 points per game. Road trips to Grambling and Southern loom, with no easy fixes in sight.
Dropped From the Rankings
- Jackson State Tigers (5-13)
- Alcorn State Braves (3-14)
- Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles (4-14)
Others in Consideration
- North Florida Ospreys (3-16)
- Delaware State Hornets (5-14)
- The Citadel Bulldogs (5-14)
Wrapping up Bottom 10
The Bottom 10 remains fluid, with small winning streaks or continued struggles capable of reshaping the list quickly. For these programs, the focus now is simple: find consistency, steal a few wins, and avoid sinking further as conference play moves on.