College Basketball Power Rankings: Ranking Every Conference So Far This Season
By (Featured Columnist) on January 3, 2011
1,541 reads
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
As we close the books on 2010, the college basketball season is hitting full stride with most teams completing their non-conference schedules and heading into conference play.
The defending national champion Duke Blue Devils still hold the No. 1 ranking in the nation, and while it may be somewhat of a down year in the ACC by their own standards, the competition for the conference championship will still be highly contested as we head towards the NCAA tournament.
The Big Ten and Big East are as competitive as ever, with a combined 13 teams in the AP top 25 (five in the top 10).
Beyond the power conferences, there are many mid-major teams fighting for their conference's bids to the NCAA tournament. Teams such as Portland, Vermont and Harvard are poised to take advantage of a possible shot to pull upsets as March Madness rolls around.
32. Southwestern Athletic Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-11
It's proving to be a difficult season thus far for the Southwest Athletic Conference.
Jackson State is currently tops in the SWAC, boasting a 4-8 record while being outscored by an average of over five points per contest.
Barring a turnaround from currently 2-8 Texas Southern, look for Jackson State to hold on for the SWAC championship, earning themselves what will likely be the only tournament bid for the conference.
| SWAC | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Jackson State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 4-8 | .333 | L1 |
| Alabama A&M | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-6 | .333 | L4 |
| Alabama State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-10 | .231 | W1 |
| Prairie View A&M | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-10 | .231 | W1 |
| Texas Southern | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 2-8 | .200 | L1 |
| Grambling State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 2-10 | .167 | L2 |
| Southern University | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 1-11 | .083 | L9 |
| Mississippi Valley State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 1-12 | .077 | L7 |
| Alcorn State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 0-10 | .000 | L10 |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 0-12 | .000 | L12 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
31. Great West Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-1
Currently 8-7, look for South Dakota to separate themselves from the pack in the Great West as conference play gets underway.
Competition for the conference crown is hard to find in the Great West, although a strong conference season by Isiah Williams of Utah Valley could help his team compete with South Dakota for the Great West's automatic tournament bid when selection time arrives.
| Great West | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| South Dakota | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-7 | .533 | W5 |
| Utah Valley | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 6-8 | .429 | L1 |
| North Dakota | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-8 | .385 | W1 |
| Texas-Pan American | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-12 | .200 | L6 |
| Chicago State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-13 | .188 | L4 |
| N.J.I.T. | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 2-9 | .182 | L5 |
| Houston Baptist | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 1-10 | .091 | L4 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
30. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-11
Hampton appears to be the runaway favorite in the MEAC once again this season, currently owning an 11-3 record in a conference in which they are the only team with a winning record.
Barring a resurgence from Morgan State during conference play, expect Hampton to make another low seeded appearance in the NCAA tournament where they'll get a chance to pull another upset as they did in 2001, knocking off No. 2 seed Iowa State to become only the fourth No. 15 seed in NCAA history to win a first round game.
| MEAC | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Hampton | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 11-3 | .786 | W1 |
| Morgan State | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 5-6 | .455 | W1 |
| Bethune-Cookman | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 5-8 | .385 | L3 |
| North Carolina A&T | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 5-8 | .385 | L5 |
| Delaware State | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 4-7 | .364 | L4 |
| South Carolina State | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 4-8 | .333 | L4 |
| Maryland-Eastern Shore | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 3-9 | .250 | L1 |
| Florida A&M | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 5-7 | .417 | L2 |
| Coppin State | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 4-7 | .364 | L4 |
| Howard | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 2-9 | .182 | L1 |
| Norfolk State | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 1-10 | .091 | L9 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
29. Northeast Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-4
Heading into the season, it was expected that Robert Morris would have an easy time winning the Northeast Conference.
The Colonials haven't lived up to expectations however, getting off to a slow 4-8 start and putting themselves at a disadvantage as conference play begins.
Quinnipac on the other hand has impressed critics, getting off to a 9-2 start and putting themselves in the drivers seat for the automatic bid.
| Northeast | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| St. Francis (NY) | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 7-5 | .583 | W1 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 3-7 | .300 | L4 |
| Quinnipiac | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 9-2 | .818 | W5 |
| Wagner | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 5-7 | .417 | W1 |
| Robert Morris | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 5-8 | .385 | W1 |
| Long Island | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 9-4 | .692 | W3 |
| Central Connecticut State | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 7-5 | .583 | W3 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 3-12 | .200 | L8 |
| Monmouth | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 4-9 | .308 | L4 |
| Bryant University | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 2-11 | .154 | L1 |
| Sacred Heart | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 5-8 | .385 | W1 |
| St. Francis (PA) | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 2-11 | .154 | L9 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
28. Big South Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-9
Coastal Carolina had an impressive non-conference season, winning an overtime contest with LSU and a tight game against East Carolina.
With Coastal Carolina and Liberty University holding the only winning records in the Big South Conference, it appears more likely that we'll see a two horse race for the NCAA tournament as 2011 rolls around.
| Big South | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Liberty | 3-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-6 | .600 | W2 |
| Coastal Carolina | 2-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 11-2 | .846 | W9 |
| Winthrop | 2-1 | 1 | .667 | 6-7 | .462 | W1 |
| High Point | 2-1 | 1 | .667 | 5-6 | .455 | L3 |
| Charleston Southern | 1-1 | 1.5 | .500 | 7-7 | .500 | W1 |
| Presbyterian | 1-2 | 2 | .333 | 7-8 | .467 | W1 |
| Virginia Military | 1-2 | 2 | .333 | 8-5 | .615 | W1 |
| North Carolina-Asheville | 1-2 | 2 | .333 | 6-7 | .462 | L1 |
| Gardner-Webb | 1-2 | 2 | .333 | 6-9 | .400 | L5 |
| Radford | 0-3 | 3 | .000 | 3-10 | .231 | L1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
27. Patriot League
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-7
After getting off to a 9-5 start this season, the American University Eagles find themselves in first place in the Patriot League.
The Eagles have gotten off to their hot start thanks in part to senior forward Vlad Moldoveanu who has been averaging over 20 points per game this season.
Also in contention for the Patriot League crown are 8-7 Bucknell and 8-6 Lehigh.
| Patriot League | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| American University | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-5 | .643 | W2 |
| Lehigh | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-6 | .571 | W2 |
| Bucknell | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-7 | .533 | W2 |
| Army | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-7 | .500 | L1 |
| Lafayette | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 4-9 | .308 | L3 |
| Navy | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 4-11 | .267 | L5 |
| Colgate | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 1-11 | .083 | W1 |
| Holy Cross | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 1-12 | .077 | L4 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
26. America East Conference
Michael Heiman/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-7
In a conference that boasts only one team with a winning record, the Vermont Catamounts seem poised to make another NCAA tournament appearance in 2011.
Under the leadership of freshman forward Brian Voelkel, the Catamounts have gotten off to a 9-3 start as they prepare for their conference opener this Tuesday.
Boston University was expected to contend for the conference crown coming into this season, but a 5-9 start has derailed their plans.
If 5-6 Stony Brook can rebound during the conference season, they may also have a chance to contend for the America East championship.
| America East | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Maine | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 7-6 | .538 | W1 |
| Vermont | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 9-3 | .750 | W2 |
| New Hampshire | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 6-6 | .500 | L1 |
| Albany | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 7-8 | .467 | L2 |
| Stony Brook | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 5-6 | .455 | W1 |
| Binghamton | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 3-10 | .231 | L4 |
| Hartford | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 2-10 | .167 | L5 |
| UMBC | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 1-12 | .077 | W1 |
| Boston University | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 5-10 | .333 | L3 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
25. Southland Conference
Marc Serota/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-10
As the lone representative of the Southland Conference in the 2010 NCAA tournament, Sam Houston State was the noted favorite to return again in 2011.
The Bearkats however find themselves trailing in the overall standings of the West Division behind upstart Stephen F. Austin. The two teams will square off on January 26th.
From the East Division, McNeese State is currently holding down the top overall spot, with Nicholls State close behind.
| Southland - East | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| McNeese State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-5 | .615 | L1 |
| Nicholls State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 6-4 | .600 | W2 |
| Northwestern State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-6 | .571 | L3 |
| Southeastern Louisiana | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 6-5 | .545 | W1 |
| Lamar | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-7 | .417 | L3 |
| Central Arkansas | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 4-9 | .308 | L1 |
| Southland - West | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Stephen F. Austin | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-3 | .727 | W1 |
| Sam Houston State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-5 | .583 | W1 |
| Texas-San Antonio | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 6-5 | .545 | L3 |
| Texas-Arlington | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-7 | .417 | L6 |
| Texas A&M-CC | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-9 | .357 | L1 |
| Texas State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 4-9 | .308 | W1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
24. Ohio Valley Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-8
The Murray State Racers were the lone Ohio Valley Conference representative in the NCAA tournament in 2010. The Racers seem determined to get there again, starting the season with a 9-4 record.
Not to be forgotten are the Austin Peay Governors. The Governors are currently 9-6, but have gotten off to a 4-0 start in conference play and will travel to Murray State on Saturday for a matchup of the top two talents in the conference.
| Ohio Valley | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Austin Peay | 4-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-6 | .600 | W3 |
| Tennessee State | 3-1 | 1 | .750 | 6-7 | .462 | L1 |
| Murray State | 2-1 | 1.5 | .667 | 9-4 | .692 | W5 |
| Tennessee Tech | 2-1 | 1.5 | .667 | 5-6 | .455 | W1 |
| Morehead State | 2-2 | 2 | .500 | 8-6 | .571 | W2 |
| Eastern Illinois | 2-2 | 2 | .500 | 5-8 | .385 | L1 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 2-2 | 2 | .500 | 3-11 | .214 | L1 |
| Eastern Kentucky | 1-3 | 3 | .250 | 5-8 | .385 | L4 |
| Tennessee-Martin | 0-3 | 3.5 | .000 | 4-10 | .286 | L3 |
| Jacksonville State | 0-3 | 3.5 | .000 | 2-12 | .143 | L8 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
23. Atlantic Sun Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 1-12
After defeating Miami-Ohio on Thursday, Belmont University found themselves with a 10-3 record and the top spot in the Atlantic Sun conference.
Led by junior Mick Hedgepeth the Belmont Bruins are determined to make it to the NCAA tournament in 2011.
Standing in their way are 8-3 Jacksonville and 7-4 Lipscomb who are likely up to the task of going toe to toe with the Bruins down the stretch.
| Atlantic Sun | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Belmont | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 10-3 | .769 | W1 |
| Jacksonville | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 8-3 | .727 | W2 |
| Lipscomb | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 7-4 | .636 | L2 |
| Stetson | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 3-9 | .250 | L5 |
| Campbell | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 7-4 | .636 | L1 |
| East Tennessee State | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 6-7 | .462 | W2 |
| USC Upstate | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 2-10 | .167 | L4 |
| North Florida | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 4-9 | .308 | L6 |
| Florida Gulf Coast | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 3-8 | .273 | L1 |
| Mercer | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 3-10 | .231 | L3 |
| Kennesaw State | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 2-10 | .167 | L10 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
22. Big Sky Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-4
After winning seven of their last eight games, including victories over UCLA and Oregon State, the Montana Grizzlies seem ready to call the Big Sky Conference theirs again in 2011.
8-6 Montana State hopes to derail the Grizzlies tournament hopes as they make their way through the conference season. The two teams will meet on January 22nd and 29th.
| Big Sky | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Montana | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 10-4 | .714 | W5 |
| Montana State | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 8-6 | .571 | W2 |
| Northern Colorado | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 6-7 | .462 | W2 |
| Idaho State | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 5-8 | .385 | W1 |
| Eastern Washington | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 4-9 | .308 | L1 |
| Portland State | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | L1 |
| Northern Arizona | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 8-6 | .571 | L2 |
| Weber State | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 6-7 | .462 | L3 |
| Sacramento State | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 3-10 | .231 | L4 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
21. Sun Belt Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-6
Led by sophomore guard Gregg Gantt who is averaging over 14 points per game, Florida Atlantic is leading the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference.
Florida Atlantic is holding down the top spot in the East Division, including a three-game winning streak over Mississippi State, Southern Florida and Hofstra.
2010 conference champion North Texas is currently in the top spot in the West Division with a 13-2 record and has their sights set on a follow up to their 2010 NCAA tournament appearance.
| Sun Belt - East | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Florida Atlantic | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 8-6 | .571 | L1 |
| Florida International | 0-0 | 1 | .000 | 5-7 | .417 | L1 |
| Middle Tennessee | 0-0 | 1 | .000 | 5-8 | .385 | W1 |
| South Alabama | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 6-6 | .500 | L1 |
| Western Kentucky | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 5-8 | .385 | L3 |
| Troy | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 2-11 | .154 | L2 |
| Sun Belt - West | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| North Texas | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 13-2 | .867 | W6 |
| Arkansas State | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 7-8 | .467 | W3 |
| Denver | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 5-9 | .357 | W3 |
| Arkansas-Little Rock | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 8-7 | .533 | L1 |
| Louisiana-Monroe | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 4-10 | .286 | L1 |
| Louisiana-Lafayette | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 2-11 | .154 | L3 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
20. Southern Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-9
Thanks in part to a hot start, Furman finds themselves atop the Southern Conference with a 9-3 record.
Wins over Middle Tennessee and South Carolina in December gave the Paladins much needed momentum heading into the conference season.
College of Charleston was expected to run away with the Southern Conference championship in many preseason polls. The 9-4 Cougars will have to fight to make a dream of an NCAA tournament bid in 2011 a reality.
Furman and College of Charleston will meet Thursday in Greensville, SC on Thursday at 7:00pm EST.
| Southern - North | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Chattanooga | 3-0 | -- | 1.000 | 7-7 | .500 | L1 |
| Samford | 1-1 | 1.5 | .500 | 9-5 | .643 | W1 |
| Appalachian State | 1-1 | 1.5 | .500 | 5-7 | .417 | W1 |
| Western Carolina | 0-2 | 2.5 | .000 | 4-10 | .286 | L6 |
| UNC Greensboro | 0-2 | 2.5 | .000 | 0-12 | .000 | L12 |
| Elon | 0-3 | 3 | .000 | 5-7 | .417 | W1 |
| Southern - South | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Furman | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-3 | .750 | W1 |
| Charleston | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-4 | .692 | W1 |
| Wofford | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 5-8 | .385 | L2 |
| Davidson | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 7-5 | .583 | W2 |
| Citadel | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 5-8 | .385 | W1 |
| Georgia Southern | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 4-10 | .286 | L1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
19. Big West Conference
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 1-4
Long Beach State has been a disappointment thus far this season. Off to a 7-8 start, it was expected that the 49ers would run away with the Big West championship.
The Pacific University Tigers, currently 8-6, are expected to contend for the Big West title along with UC Santa Barbara (7-5), who will be looking to make a return trip to the NCAA tournament in 2011.
| Big West | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Long Beach State | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 7-8 | .467 | W2 |
| UC Riverside | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 5-7 | .417 | W1 |
| Pacific | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 8-6 | .571 | L1 |
| UC Davis | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 6-8 | .429 | L1 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 5-9 | .357 | W1 |
| Cal State Northridge | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 4-9 | .308 | W1 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 7-5 | .583 | W1 |
| UC Irvine | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 6-8 | .429 | L4 |
| Cal Poly | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 4-8 | .333 | L1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
18. Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-7
A perennial favorite in the Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference, the Siena Saints have gotten off to a disappointing 4-8 start and find themselves currently fifth in the MAAC.
They'll need to improve on their .428 field goal percentage if they hope to climb back to the top of the conference.
The Fairfield Stags have gotten off to a hot start this season, currently finding themselves 9-3 and 2-0 in the conference with wins over Siena and Loyola (MD).
Keep an eye on the Iona Gaels, a team currently sitting at 8-5 and fully capable of earning the MAAC's automatic bid.
| MAAC | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Fairfield | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-3 | .750 | W9 |
| Iona | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 8-5 | .615 | W1 |
| St. Peter's | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 7-6 | .538 | L2 |
| Marist | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 3-10 | .231 | W1 |
| Siena | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 4-8 | .333 | L2 |
| Rider | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 9-5 | .643 | W3 |
| Canisius | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 6-6 | .500 | W2 |
| Loyola (MD) | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 4-8 | .333 | L3 |
| Niagara | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 3-11 | .214 | L4 |
| Manhattan | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 2-10 | .167 | L10 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
17. Ivy League
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-8
Last season, the Cornell Big Red came out hot, finishing atop the Ivy League and earning a spot in the NCAA tournament. Cornell would turn some heads last March, becoming the first Ivy League team in over thirty years to advance to the Sweet 16.
It's looking like Cornell won't be making a repeat appearance, as the Big Red are currently 3-9 and last place in the conference.
Instead, it looks like the Harvard Crimson are poised to play the part. The 9-3 Crimson are atop the Ivy League and have the talent to stay there.
Also in contention are the Princeton Tigers who currently sit at 10-4.
| Ivy | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Harvard | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-3 | .750 | W2 |
| Princeton | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-4 | .714 | L1 |
| Columbia | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-5 | .583 | L1 |
| Pennsylvania | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-5 | .500 | L1 |
| Brown | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-6 | .455 | W1 |
| Yale | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-7 | .417 | L3 |
| Dartmouth | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 4-8 | .333 | L1 |
| Cornell | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-9 | .250 | W1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
16. Western Athletic Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-5
Utah State appears poised to make a return to the NCAA tournament in 2011. The Aggies are currently 13-2 (2-0 in WAC) and are riding an eight-game winning streak.
Led by senior forward Tai Wesley, the Aggies will look to improve on their record and solidify their spot atop the WAC ranks.
Also off to a 2-0 start in WAC play is Boise State, who currently holds a 9-5 overall record. The Broncos will host the Aggies in a WAC showdown on January 13.
| WAC | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Utah State | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 13-2 | .867 | W8 |
| Boise State | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-5 | .643 | W2 |
| Fresno State | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 5-6 | .455 | W1 |
| Nevada | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 4-10 | .286 | W1 |
| New Mexico State | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 7-9 | .438 | L1 |
| Idaho | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 7-6 | .538 | W1 |
| Hawaii | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 9-5 | .643 | L2 |
| San Jose State | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 8-5 | .615 | L2 |
| Louisiana Tech | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 9-7 | .563 | L3 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
15. Summit League
Teams in ESPN/USA TodayTop 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 1-15
As Summit League play begins, it's anybody's guess as to who the favorite might be. Both IPFW and Oakland have started conference play 4-0 while holding 9-4 and 9-8 records respectively.
Oakland has had a stronger non-conference season than their record indicates, as they have played stiff competition along the way including a one point loss against Michigan State and a win over then No. 7 Tennessee.
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits can't be discounted in the Summit League, as they got off to a quick 6-0 start this season before going 3-4 in December.
| Summit League | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| IPFW | 4-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-4 | .692 | W2 |
| Oakland | 4-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-8 | .529 | W2 |
| South Dakota State | 2-1 | 1.5 | .667 | 10-4 | .714 | W2 |
| IUPUI | 2-1 | 1.5 | .667 | 8-8 | .500 | W3 |
| Oral Roberts | 2-2 | 2 | .500 | 5-10 | .333 | L2 |
| North Dakota State | 1-2 | 2.5 | .333 | 7-6 | .538 | L3 |
| Western Illinois | 1-2 | 2.5 | .333 | 6-7 | .462 | W1 |
| UMKC | 1-3 | 3 | .250 | 8-6 | .571 | L1 |
| Southern Utah | 1-3 | 3 | .250 | 4-10 | .286 | L1 |
| Centenary | 0-4 | 4 | .000 | 0-15 | .000 | L15 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
14. Colonial Athletic Association
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 1-10
The Colonial Athletic Association is once again up for grabs this season. Last season's CAA tournament winner Old Dominion is currently 9-3 and has notched impressive non-conference victories over Clemson and Xavier.
Atop the conference sit the Drexel Dragons with a 9-2 overall record and a 1-0 mark in the CAA.
Recent NCAA tournament cinderella George Mason is also in the running for the CAA crown at 9-3.
The George Mason Patriots are led by junior forward Ryan Pearson who is averaging just under 13 points and six rebounds per game.
| Colonial | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Drexel | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-2 | .818 | W1 |
| George Mason | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-3 | .750 | L1 |
| Virginia Commonwealth | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-4 | .692 | W2 |
| Hofstra | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 7-5 | .583 | L1 |
| Delaware | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 6-5 | .545 | L1 |
| Georgia State | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 6-5 | .545 | W2 |
| James Madison | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 10-3 | .769 | W4 |
| Old Dominion | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 9-3 | .750 | L1 |
| UNC - Willmington | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 6-6 | .500 | W1 |
| Towson | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 4-7 | .364 | W1 |
| Northeastern | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 4-8 | .333 | L2 |
| William & Mary | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 4-8 | .333 | L3 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
13. West Coast Conference
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 1-9
Every season in the West Coast Conference, Gonzaga is in the conversations regarding likely candidates for the conference championship. Gonzaga has had their fair share of success this season, earning a 10-5 record through the non-conference schedule.
The Bulldogs have earned impressive victories over formerly No. 9 Baylor, Marquette, and most recently Wake Forest.
St. Marys is currently atop the conference, thanks to a 12-2 record which includes key wins over Texas Tech and Mississippi State.
Don't sleep on Portland either—the Pilots are currently sitting at 12-3 and will travel to Gonzaga to open up WCC play this weekend.
| West Coast | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Saint Mary's | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 12-2 | .857 | W6 |
| Portland | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 12-3 | .800 | W5 |
| Gonzaga | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-5 | .667 | W6 |
| Santa Clara | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-7 | .533 | W1 |
| Loyola Marymount | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-7 | .500 | W1 |
| San Francisco | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 6-9 | .400 | W2 |
| Pepperdine | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-11 | .313 | L3 |
| San Diego | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-11 | .214 | L1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
12. Missouri Valley Conference
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-8
With a bit of a logjam atop the ranks of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Wichita State Shockers find themselves above other ten win teams Missouri State and Creighton.
All three teams are currently 2-0 in conference play.
Missouri State beat the 2010 Missouri Valley Tournament winner Northern Iowa on December 29 in the conference opener. Northern Iowa is best remembered for their shocking upset of Kansas in last year's NCAA tournament.
The Panthers will need a strong effort from senior guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe if they plan on making a return trip this March.
| Missouri Valley | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Wichita State | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 11-2 | .846 | W6 |
| Missouri State | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 10-3 | .769 | W4 |
| Creighton | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 10-4 | .714 | W6 |
| Evansville | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 7-5 | .583 | W1 |
| Drake | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 6-7 | .462 | L1 |
| Southern Illinois | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 7-6 | .538 | W1 |
| Indiana State | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 6-7 | .462 | L1 |
| Northern Iowa | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 9-5 | .643 | L2 |
| Illinois State | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 8-5 | .615 | L2 |
| Bradley | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 6-7 | .462 | L2 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
11. Horizon League
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 1-6
Perhaps the biggest surprise of last year's NCAA tournament, Butler is off to another strong start this season.
The Bulldogs have gotten off to a 10-4 start including a current six game win streak that includes victories over Stanford, Utah and Florida State.
Currently first in the conference, Cleveland State has gotten off to a strong start thanks in part to senior guard Norris Cole's 21 points and five assists per game.
Teams like Valparasio, Milwaukee and Loyola also can't be discounted as contenders for the Horizon League championship.
| Horizon | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Cleveland State | 4-0 | -- | 1.000 | 15-1 | .938 | W3 |
| Butler | 2-0 | 1 | 1.000 | 10-4 | .714 | W6 |
| Detroit | 2-1 | 1.5 | .667 | 8-7 | .533 | L1 |
| Valparaiso | 2-1 | 1.5 | .667 | 10-5 | .667 | L1 |
| Wright State | 2-1 | 1.5 | .667 | 9-6 | .600 | W2 |
| Milwaukee | 2-2 | 2 | .500 | 7-8 | .467 | W1 |
| Loyola (IL) | 1-3 | 3 | .250 | 10-5 | .667 | W1 |
| Green Bay | 1-3 | 3 | .250 | 6-9 | .400 | L2 |
| Youngstown State | 1-3 | 3 | .250 | 6-7 | .462 | L1 |
| Illinois-Chicago | 0-3 | 3.5 | .000 | 5-10 | .333 | L3 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
10. Mid-American Conference
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 0-10
The true contenders in the MAC appear to be emerging as non-conference play winds down and teams prepare for the conference season.
Kent State and Ball State hold the top spots in the East and West divisons, and both teams appear eager to stay there.
Other teams are poised to close in on the leader's turf however. Kent State is currently coming off of consecutive losses against Morehead State and James Madison, allowing teams like Buffalo and Akron the opportunity to inch closer to the top of the standings.
In the West, Ball State is currently 8-4, but next week will square off against a Western Michigan team that is currently only one game back in the division.
| Mid-American - East | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Kent State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-5 | .643 | L2 |
| Buffalo | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-4 | .636 | L1 |
| Akron | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-5 | .615 | W1 |
| Ohio | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-7 | .500 | L1 |
| Bowling Green | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-9 | .357 | W3 |
| Miami (OH) | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-9 | .357 | L4 |
| Mid-American - West | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Ball State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-4 | .636 | W1 |
| Western Michigan | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | W2 |
| Northern Illinois | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 4-7 | .364 | W1 |
| Central Michigan | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-10 | .231 | L1 |
| Toledo | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 3-10 | .231 | L1 |
| Eastern Michigan | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 2-10 | .167 | L1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
9. Atlantic 10
Chris Chambers/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 3-9
The Dayton Flyers have hit the ground running this season, etching a 12-3 record thus far including a current five game winning streak. Dayton will open the Atlantic 10 season on Wednesday against St. Louis University.
Richmond University has exceeded expeactations thus far this season, winning 11 of their first 15 games including an impressive victory over then #8 Purdue.
Temple is a perennial favorite in the A10, and the Owls are currently in second place in the conference with a 9-3 record. The Owls beat a strong Georgetown squad early in December, and also fought hard against #8 Villanova in a losing effort.
| Atlantic 10 | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Dayton | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 12-3 | .800 | W5 |
| Temple | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-3 | .750 | L1 |
| Richmond | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-4 | .733 | L1 |
| Rhode Island | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-4 | .692 | W3 |
| Massachusetts | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-4 | .667 | W1 |
| Xavier | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-4 | .667 | L1 |
| Duquesne | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-5 | .583 | W2 |
| St. Bonaventure | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-5 | .583 | L1 |
| Charlotte | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-6 | .571 | W4 |
| George Washington | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | W2 |
| La Salle | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-7 | .500 | W1 |
| Fordham | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 6-6 | .500 | L3 |
| Saint Joseph's | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-8 | .385 | W2 |
| Saint Louis | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 5-8 | .385 | L3 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
8. Conference USA
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: 2 (No. 18 Central Florida, No. 22 Memphis)
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 1-5
Perhaps the most surprising team so far this season, the Central Florida Knights are 13-0 and ranked No. 18 in the country.
The Knights most impressive victory came on December 1, when the team beat the Florida Gators (ranked No. 16 at the time).
Also off to a strong start this season are the Memphis Tigers. The Tigers are currently 11-2, having only lost to Kansas and Georgetown, both top ten teams.
Memphis will travel to Knoxville this week to face off against Tennessee before opening conference play on Saturday against East Carolina.
Also in contention for the Conference USA crown are Southern Miss, UAB, UTEP, Marshall and Tulane, all teams that have already earned ten or more wins.
| Conference USA | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| #18 UCF | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 13-0 | 1.000 | W13 |
| #22 Memphis | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-2 | .846 | W2 |
| Southern Miss | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-2 | .846 | W2 |
| UAB | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-2 | .833 | W4 |
| UTEP | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 12-3 | .800 | W3 |
| Marshall | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-3 | .769 | W2 |
| Tulane | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-3 | .769 | W4 |
| Southern Methodist | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-4 | .692 | W5 |
| Houston | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-5 | .615 | W2 |
| Rice | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-6 | .571 | W2 |
| East Carolina | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | L4 |
| Tulsa | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | W2 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
7. Mountain West
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: 2 (No. 6 San Diego State, No. 14 Brigham Young)
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 2-3
Another surprising team with a hot start out of the gates are the No. 6 San Diego State Aztecs. The Aztecs are an impressive 15-0, with victories over Gonzaga and Cal among others.
The Aztecs will travel to TCU on Wednesday to open conference play against the 9-6 Horned Frogs.
Also in the top 25 from the Mountain West conference is No. 14 Brigham Young. The Cougars are currently 14-1, having only lost to UCLA on December 18.
Brigham Young will open conference play with a tough test against the UNLV Rebels on Wednesday.
The Rebels are another favorite to come out of the Mountain West conference along with 11-3 New Mexico.
| Mountain West | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| #6 San Diego State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 15-0 | 1.000 | W15 |
| #14 Brigham Young | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 14-1 | .933 | W4 |
| UNLV | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 12-2 | .857 | W3 |
| New Mexico | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-3 | .786 | L1 |
| Colorado State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-4 | .714 | L1 |
| Air Force | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-4 | .692 | W1 |
| TCU | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-6 | .600 | L2 |
| Utah | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-7 | .500 | L4 |
| Wyoming | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-7 | .500 | W1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
6. Pac-10
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: None
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 5-13
The Pac-10 is a conference that typically has it's share of successes when it comes to college basketball. Teams like UCLA and Arizona have NCAA tournament histories that go back for decades.
This season has started on a different note for the conference. The Pac-10 doesn't currently have a team in the top 25, and has gone 5-13 against teams that are ranked.
Still, there is talent to be found within the conference. The Arizona Wildcats are currently 12-2, having only lost to Kansas and Brigham Young, both top 25 teams.
The Washington Huskies are currently at the top of the Pac-10 with a 10-3 overall record and a 2-0 conference mark including wins over USC and UCLA.
The conference is still very much up in the air, as every team has a .500 or better overall record and no team is more than two games out of first place.
| Pacific-10 | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Washington | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 10-3 | .769 | W4 |
| Arizona | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 12-2 | .857 | W4 |
| Oregon State | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 6-6 | .500 | W2 |
| UCLA | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 9-5 | .643 | L1 |
| Arizona State | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 8-5 | .615 | W1 |
| USC | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 9-6 | .600 | W1 |
| Stanford | 0-0 | 1 | .000 | 7-4 | .636 | W1 |
| California | 0-0 | 1 | .000 | 7-5 | .583 | W1 |
| Washington State | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 10-4 | .714 | L3 |
| Oregon | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 7-7 | .500 | L4 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
5. SEC
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: 1 (No. 11 Kentucky, No. 24 Vanderbilt)
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 6-8
After being ranked tenth in the preseason polls, the Kentucky Wildcats sought to prove to critics that they belonged in the discussions of the best teams in the country.
After thirteen games, the Wildcats have lost to then unranked Connecticut and UNC. The team, currently riding a six game winning streak, will have a final tuneup against Penn on Wednesday before opening conference play against Georgia on Saturday.
In the West division, Arkansas is currently atop the ranks with a 10-2 record. The Razorbacks will open conference play against Tennessee on Saturday.
The Tennessee Volunteers have been in the spotlight most of the season, partly due to their early season losses which have taken them out of the top 25.
Also in the spotlight for the Volunteers has been the turmoil surrounding head coach Bruce Pearl, who will begin his suspension for violation of NCAA rules when conference play commences this weekend.
| SEC - East | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Georgia | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-2 | .846 | W8 |
| #11 Kentucky | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-2 | .846 | W6 |
| #24 Vanderbilt | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-2 | .846 | W4 |
| Florida | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-3 | .769 | W3 |
| Tennessee | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-4 | .692 | L1 |
| South Carolina | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-4 | .667 | L1 |
| SEC - West | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| Arkansas | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-2 | .833 | W3 |
| Mississippi | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-3 | .769 | W2 |
| Mississippi State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-6 | .571 | L2 |
| Alabama | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | W2 |
| LSU | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 8-7 | .533 | L2 |
| Auburn | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 6-7 | .462 | W3 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
4. ACC
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: 1 (No. 1 Duke)
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 5-13
The defending national champion Duke Blue Devils once again find themselves standing alone on top of the top 25 polls.
The Blue Devils have beaten top talent such as Kansas State and Michigan State on their way to an undefeated 13-0 start and haven't shown signs of looking back.
Entering the season, it was expected that the North Carolina Tar Heels would take steps towards a return to the final four, as the team was a preseason top ten selection.
The season wouldn't start exactly as planned as the Tar Heels would fall to Minnesota and Vanderbilt early in the season, and would later drop a game against then No. 21 Illinois before rebounding with a solid win over No. 11 Kentucky in early December.
Even though they're off to 0-1 starts in conference play, count on Clemson and Miami (both 11-4) to give Duke and other top teams in the ACC all they can handle as the conference play continues.
| ACC | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| #1 Duke | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 13-0 | 1.000 | W13 |
| Boston College | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 11-3 | .786 | W1 |
| Florida State | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 11-3 | .786 | W1 |
| Virginia | 1-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-5 | .643 | W1 |
| North Carolina | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 10-4 | .714 | W3 |
| North Carolina State | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 9-4 | .692 | W3 |
| Georgia Tech | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | L1 |
| Wake Forest | 0-0 | .5 | .000 | 6-8 | .429 | L4 |
| Clemson | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 11-4 | .733 | W6 |
| Miami (FL) | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 11-4 | .733 | L1 |
| Maryland | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 9-4 | .692 | W2 |
| Virginia Tech | 0-1 | 1 | .000 | 9-4 | .692 | W5 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
3. Big 12
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: 5 (No. 3 Kansas, No. 8 Missouri, No. 12 Texas, No. 16 Texas A&M, No. 17 Kansas State)
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 8-5
No. 3 Kansas is once again the team to beat in the Big 12. After convincing victories over Texas-Arlington and Miami-Ohio, the Jayhawks will have two final tuneups before beginning the conference season at Iowa State next week.
Another strong team in the Big 12, the Missouri Tigers are a strong 13-1, having recorded their only loss in overtime to a then No. 14 ranked Georgetown squad.
Coming off of an impressive win over Michigan State late in December, the Texas Longhorns will face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks tomorrow before hosting No. 9 UConn in their final game before conference play begins next week.
The Texas A&M Aggies are currently ranked No. 16 thanks to a 12-1 start, and will open conference play against Oklahoma this weekend.
Other teams to keep an eye out for in the conference are 9-3 Baylor and 12-2 Iowa State, both of which who could make some noise as March approaches.
| Big 12 | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| #3 Kansas | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 13-0 | 1.000 | W13 |
| #8 Missouri | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 13-1 | .929 | W8 |
| #16 Texas A&M | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 12-1 | .923 | W9 |
| Iowa State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 12-2 | .857 | W6 |
| Oklahoma State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-2 | .846 | L1 |
| #12 Texas | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-2 | .846 | W5 |
| Nebraska | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-2 | .833 | W8 |
| #17 Kansas State | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 11-3 | .786 | W2 |
| Baylor | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 9-3 | .750 | W1 |
| Colorado | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 10-4 | .714 | W3 |
| Oklahoma | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | W2 |
| Texas Tech | 0-0 | -- | .000 | 7-7 | .500 | W1 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
2. Big Ten
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: 5 (No. 2 Ohio State, No. 10 Purdue, No. 19 Michigan State, No. 20 Illinois, No. 21 Minnesota)
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 3-8
In another strong season in the Big Ten conference, Ohio State once again finds themselves as the team to beat.
The No. 2 Buckeyes are an undefeated 14-0 this season and have won games against teams such as then No. 10 Florida, South Carolina and a win in the conference opener against Indiana.
The Michigan State Spartans were expected to do big things this season, finding themselves in the top five in most preseason polls.
Things haven't gone as expected for the Spartans as a 9-4 start has the team playing catch up. Head coach Tom Izzo's squad did get on the right track this past weekend, as they defeated then No. 13 Minnesota in their conference home opener.
Another team that will certainly have a say in the Big Ten proceedings as the conference season progresses will be No. 10 Purdue, who is performing admirably without their star Robbie Hummell.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers had high hopes entering the Big Ten season with an 11-1 record that included wins over UNC and West Virginia, but an 0-2 start in the conference has the Gophers reeling.
| Big Ten | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| #10 Purdue | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 13-1 | .929 | W8 |
| #20 Illinois | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 12-3 | .800 | W2 |
| #2 Ohio State | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 14-0 | 1.000 | W14 |
| #19 Michigan State | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 9-4 | .692 | W1 |
| Michigan | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 11-3 | .786 | W1 |
| Wisconsin | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 11-3 | .786 | L1 |
| Penn State | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 8-5 | .615 | L1 |
| Northwestern | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 9-2 | .818 | L1 |
| Iowa | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 7-6 | .538 | L1 |
| #21 Minnesota | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 11-3 | .786 | L2 |
| Indiana | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 9-6 | .600 | L4 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
1. Big East
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Teams in ESPN/USA Today Top 25: 8 (No. 4 Syracuse, No. 5 Pittsburgh, No. 7 Villanova, No. 9 Connecticut, No. 13 Georgetown, No. 15 Notre Dame, No. 23 Louisville, No. 25 Cincinnati)
Conference Record vs. Top 25 Teams: 10-10
In what is definitely the deepest conference in the country, the Big East is represented in a third of the current top 25. Head Coach Jim Boeheim has his Syracuse Orangemen off to a hot 15-0 start, but No. 25 Cincinnati is right on their tails at 14-0.
The Pittsburgh Panthers, led by junior Ashton Gibbs are currently 13-1 and coming off of a huge win in the conference opener over then No. 4 Connecticut.
In falling to Pitt the Huskies suffered their first loss of the season, a season in which the team began the season outside of the top 25, but forced their way in after consecutive victories over then No. 2 Michigan State and then No. 9 Kentucky.
Having suffered their only defeat at the hands of Tennessee, the 12-1 Villanova Wildcats will certainly be a forced to be reckoned with as the Big East season plays out.
The middle of the pack in the Big East is of the caliber of most conference's best teams. Teams like No. 15 Notre Dame and No. 23 Louisville are fighting to work their way to the top of this highly contested conference.
| Big East | W-L | GB | PCT | W-L | PCT | STRK |
| #4 Syracuse | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 15-0 | 1.000 | W15 |
| #25 Cincinnati | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 14-0 | 1.000 | W14 |
| St. John's | 2-0 | -- | 1.000 | 9-3 | .750 | W4 |
| #5 Pittsburgh | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 13-1 | .929 | W3 |
| #7 Villanova | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 12-1 | .923 | W7 |
| Marquette | 1-0 | .5 | 1.000 | 10-4 | .714 | W1 |
| #15 Notre Dame | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 12-2 | .857 | L1 |
| #9 Connecticut | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 11-1 | .917 | W1 |
| #13 Georgetown | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 12-2 | .857 | W1 |
| Seton Hall | 1-1 | 1 | .500 | 7-7 | .500 | L1 |
| #23 Louisville | 0-0 | 1 | .000 | 11-2 | .846 | L1 |
| Rutgers | 0-1 | 1.5 | .000 | 9-4 | .692 | L2 |
| Providence | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 11-4 | .733 | L2 |
| West Virginia | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 8-4 | .667 | L2 |
| DePaul | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 6-8 | .429 | L2 |
| South Florida | 0-2 | 2 | .000 | 6-9 | .400 | L4 |
*Standings as of Jan. 2
What is the duplicate article?
Why is this article offensive?
Where is this article plagiarized from?
Why is this article poorly edited?
Flag This Article
0 Comments
Loading comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete