The Real Prestige Rankings: Part VI

15) Sun Belt Conference – Average Point Total: 33.54

1) Western Kentucky – 210 (T-54, T-43)

2) South Alabama – 44 (T-126, T-82)

3) Louisiana Lafayette – 42 (T-130, T-119)

4) New Orleans – 40 (T-132, 88)

T-5) Arkansas-Little Rock – 38 (T-142, 107)

T-5) Middle Tennessee State – 38 (T-142, T-141)

7) Louisiana Monroe – 12 (T-157, T-96)

8) North Texas – 4 (T-191, 220)

T-9) Troy – 2 (T-226, T-161)

T-9) Florida Atlantic – 2 (T-226, T-233)

T-9) Arkansas State – 2 (T-226, T-168)

T-9) Florida International – 2 (T-226, T-260)

13) Denver – 0 (T-273, DNQ)

The top six teams in the Sun Belt rankings all have at least one NCAA tournament victory in the last 24 seasons. However, Western Kentucky clearly stands out among all the other teams in this conference.

The Hilltoppers from Western Kentucky are the only team in the conference with multiple tournament wins. They have the highest point total by far of any team we have seen in the conference rankings with 210. They barely missed out on the top 50 in my rankings and actually made the top 50 in the ESPN rankings (again, because they play in a weaker conference). 

Western Kentucky has played in nine tournaments since 1985 and has two Sweet 16 appearances. They also have three second-round exits. With seven total tournament wins, they easily more than quadruple any other Sun Belt teams’ point total.

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