CAA play is upon us! Thus, this will be the final power rankings of the year. The CAA Standings will decide the pecking order far better than I can.


1.

W-L (vs. D1): 11-1
NET: 54
RPI: 7
KenPom: 95
Sagarin: 83
Power Ranking on 12/12: 1
D1 Results since 12/12: W/W (vs. Stetson; @ Coastal)

Charleston had trouble with a slightly below average Stetson squad at home, but ultimately still took care of business with a 65-60 victory. They had less trouble on the road against Coastal, finishing off their non-conference slate with a double-digit win in Conway, SC. The Cougars thus remain the top dog in the CAA.

Against Stetson, Grad transfer (from D-II West Liberty) Dalton Bolon led the team in both minutes (31) and scoring (16) while also swiping 3 steals. He was also a perfect 4-4 from the line, and as a team the Cougars were 13-14 from the charity stripe. Thus they pulled out the win over the Hatters despite a less-than efficient shooting day from the field. In the victory over the Chanticleers, Reyne Smith knocked down 5 threes on 10 attempts en route to 23 points. Bolon again had another solid day, with 18. Jaylon Scott, however, was the player of the game, as he did a little of everything: 11 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. The Cougars knocked down 14 threes as a team in the win.




2.

W-L (vs. D1): 8-3
NET: 73
RPI: 8
KenPom: 113
Sagarin: 115
Power Ranking on 12/12: 2
D1 Results since 12/12: W/W (vs. High Point; @ Campbell)

A 2-0 week for the Seahawks, albeit in close contests, also means no movement here: UNCW stays in the # 2 slot. How much of a threat to Charleston the Seahawks will be remains to be seen; a January 11th tilt at Trask between the 2 squads may well be what it takes to find out.




3.

W-L (vs. D1): 6-6
NET: 125
RPI: 38
KenPom: 140
Sagarin: 150
Power Ranking on 12/12: 4
D1 Results since 12/12: L (@ South Florida)

Hofstra's only D1 game of the slate over the past 2 weeks finished in a 77-70 road defeat to a middling South Florida team. It marked the 4th straight D1 loss for the Pride.

Aaron Estrada was his usual self in the loss to the Bulls, totaling 21 points in 40 minutes of work and also adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Tyler Thomas and Darlinstone Dubar added 17 apiece. But 17 team turnovers, 5 coming from Estrada, were the biggest reason for Hofstra's defeat in this one.




4.

W-L (vs. D1): 7-5
NET: 193
RPI: 153
KenPom: 202
Sagarin: 190
Power Ranking on 12/12: 5
D1 Results since 12/12: W/W/L (@ Princeton; @ Rider; vs. Ohio)

The Blue Hens took 2 of 3 this period, with a home loss to Ohio snapping a 5-game win streak. The Princeton win on the road was Delaware's best of the season to date per the NET rankings.

Against Princeton, Jyare Davis and Christian Ray combined for 45 points, with Davis (9 rebounds, 7 assists) coming very close to the rare collegiate triple-double. The Hens shot a gaudy 54.7 % from the field and were +6 in the turnover margin in this one. Delaware next stole a 1-point road victory over Rider, in which Jameer Nelson, Jr. (23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks) was the star. The Blue Hens did not play well against Ohio to finish up non-conference play, allowing the Bobcats to shoot 52.4 % and make 21 trips the free-throw line en route to scoring 95 points. 4 players finished in double-figures for Delaware but it wasn't enough.




5.

W-L (vs. D1): 8-5
NET: 153
RPI: 147
KenPom: 126
Sagarin: 161
Power Ranking on 12/12: 3
D1 Results since 12/12: L/L (vs. Northern Iowa; @ Bryant)

The Tigers continued their struggles and have now lost 4 straight games. And both of their losses this period were of the double-digits variety.

Against a subpar Northern Iowa team, Towson gave up 83 points on 54.2 % shooting, along with 32 free throw attempts. The Tigers' struggles with the press were on full display, as they surrendered 18 turnovers. That trend continued against Bryant as well, as they another 18 TOs. In this one, Charles Thompson scored 19 points and totaled 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.



6.

W-L (vs. D1): 5-6
NET: 195
RPI: 254
KenPom: 195
Sagarin: 176
Power Ranking on 12/12: 6
D1 Results since 12/12: L/W (@ Seton Hall; vs. Delaware St.)

Drexel's game against Fairfield was postponed, which is a shame, as it would have been a very winnable road game for the Dragons. As it stands, we didn't learn a whole lot more about Drexel, as they lost by 17 to a good Seton Hall team then destroyed a Delaware State team that is 0-10 against DI teams and outside of the top 350 in the NET rankings.

In the Seton Hall loss, Amari Williams posted a 14/11 double-double and also added 3 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals. However, the rest of the team shot a miserable 24.5 % from the field, including 23.5 % (8-34) from 3. On the plus side, the Dragons did force 15 Pirates turnovers. Then, in the 85-52 beatdown of Delaware State, it was 6-4 senior wing Luke House who had the biggest day, with 25 points on 10-15 shooting, including 5-10 from 3.



7.

W-L (vs. D1): 4-7
NET: 281
RPI: 231
KenPom: 254
Sagarin: 228
Power Ranking on 12/12: 7
D1 Results since 12/12: L/W (@ UIC; @ Davidson)

Northeastern fell against an Illinois-Chicago team whose DI record (7-5) doesn't include any victories over top-200 competition before picking up an encouraging road win over Davidson on Wednesday. The 1-1 road trip moved the needle forward for the Huskies, who should never be counted out as long as Bill Coen is the head coach. They'll also open CAA play with a pair of home games.

In the games against UIC and Davidson, Jahmyl Telfort did what he does, posting 20-point games in each contest. However, 16 turnovers did the Huskies in against the Flames in the 81-73 loss. In the 3-point win over Davidson, NU committed 17 TOs but still won thanks to a perimeter shooting disparity: The Huskies shot 47.4 % (9-19) from deep, whole the Wildcats finished a paltry 2-12.




8.

W-L (vs. D1): 2-8
NET: 282
RPI: 289
KenPom: 271
Sagarin: 274
Power Ranking on 12/12: 9
D1 Results since 12/12: L/W/L/L/L (@ Houston; vs. Texas Southern; vs. Norfolk St.; @ UTEP; vs. New Mexico St.)

It was a very busy pair of weeks for A&T that began with a road game against the # 3 team in the nation and finished with not one but two tournaments; the HBCU Challenge in Las Vegas and the Sun Bowl Invitational hosted by UTEP. Across their 5 contests in a 9-day period, four of which were against top-200 competitions and two in the top-100, the Aggies finished 1-4.

Against Houston, Kam Woods shouldered the scoring load with 26 of the Aggies' 46 points. He was an efficient 10-18 from the field overall and turned some heads in the 74-46 defeat to a top-5 Cougars team. A&T bounced back with an overtime 67-66 win over Texas Southern at the HBCU Classic. This time it was Marcus Watson who led the way, with a 25/12 double-double. Despite losing the turnover battle (-8), A&T won by dominating on the glass, 48-31. The next day, the Aggies fell in another close contest, 70-66 to Norfolk St. 4 scored in double-figures in a much more balanced scoring night. 3 days later, at the Sun Bowl Classic, the Aggies lost to host UTEP by 13. Turnovers were a problem in this one, as the starting 5 committed 13 of the 14 miscues. A&T finished off the week with an 85-76 loss to New Mexico State.





9.

W-L (vs. D1): 3-8
NET: 286
RPI: 229
KenPom: 309
Sagarin: 277
Power Ranking on 12/12: 8
D1 Results since 12/12: L (@ UMBC)

The Tribe played just one D1 game this period, and it was not a good one; a 78-62 road loss against UMBC.

4 players scored in double digits for the Tribe and they only committed 11 turnovers, but the Retrievers were allowed to shoot 53.6 % from the field in a relatively easy victory.




10.

W-L (vs. D1): 2-9
NET: 331
RPI: 324
KenPom: 330
Sagarin: 287
Power Ranking on 12/12: 12
D1 Results since 12/12: W/L/W/L (vs. Sacred Heart; @ Wagner; vs. Army; @ West Virginia)

Stony Brook picked up their first D1 win of the season against Sacred Heart, and later landed another victory over Army. This strong 2-2 period, even against, is important for the Seawolves and demonstrates they may be a slight notch above very the bottom of the league. And that's true even though their victories came against similarly weak competition.

Against Sacred Heart, 5 different players ended up scoring in double figures for the Seawolves. 6-10 big man Kenan Sarvan led the way off the bench, with 16, and added 6 boards, 1 block and 1 steal in just 23 minutes of action. A +6 turnover margin for SBU made the difference in the 71-64 victory over the Pioneers. Next, SBU took a short trip from Long Island to Staten Island to face Wagner. The Seahawks bested the Seawolves in this one, 58-55. Grad transfer Frankie Policelli posted a 13/11 double-double in the losing effort. Then, in the 66-59 home win over Army, Policelli put up an even stronger game, this time with a 22/19 double-double. He will be a force come CAA play. The Seawolves finished off their strong performance with a 75-64 loss at West Virginia.





11.

W-L (vs. D1): 2-9
NET: 342
RPI: 327
KenPom: 350
Sagarin: 336
Power Ranking on 12/12: 10
D1 Results since 12/12: L/L (vs. Norfolk St.; vs. Texas Southern)

The HBCU Challenge featured another CAA squad along with NC A&T, as the Pirates played their lone 2 games of the period in the tournament in Vegas. Unfortunately, they were both losses.

In a 78-66 loss to Norfolk State, Jordan Nesbitt stuffed the stat sheet, with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. Still, his offensive effort wasn't exactly efficient, as he shot 5-19 from the field, and this was mimicked by his teammates; as a team, Hampton shot just 34.9 % from the field. Hampton was at least much more efficient in an 82-77 defeat against Texas Southern, where they shot 44.1 % from the field and 40.9 % (9-22) from 3. Nesbitt let four double-digit scorers, with 18.





12.

W-L (vs. D1): 1-12
NET: 358
RPI: 313
KenPom: 336
Sagarin: 346
Power Ranking on 12/12: 11
D1 Results since 12/12: L/L/L (@ Syracuse; vs. Charlotte; vs. Yale)

Monmouth lost 3 games this period and weren't competitive in the latter 2 contests.

In the aforementioned contest @ Syracuse, Jack Collins and Myles Foster each had a nice game, with Collins finishing with 20 points, 3 assists and 2 steals and Foster adding 17 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Monmouth showed strong ball movement, with 19 assists against the Cuse 2-3 Zone. The subsequent loss to Charlotte, however, was quite discouraging as Monmouth was blown out, 80-46. The 49ers torched the Hawks from the field, shooting 58.5 % and 44.4 % (12-27) from the perimeter. Monmouth was, unfortunately, non-competitive in their final game of OOC play against Yale, which resulted in a 76-44 defeat.





13.

W-L (vs. D1): 0-11
NET: 350
RPI: 363
KenPom: 343
Sagarin: 332
Power Ranking on 12/12: 13
D1 Results since 12/12: L/L/L (@ Presbyterian; @ Valparaiso; @ Indiana)

Elon finished the non-conference slate winless against D1 foes and thus its quite easy to keep them in the bottom spot entering league play. At least their losses to Presbyterian College and Valparaiso were close games.

Against PC, Elon shot a dismal 33.3 % (8-24) from the perimeter compared to a slightly better 37.9 % (11-29) for the Blue Hose, which made the difference in a 69-63 defeat. Next, Max Mackinnon posted a strong line against Valparaiso, with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the 71-66 defeat. Somehow Elon found a way to lose this one despite a +13 turnover ratio, thanks in large part to the Beacons shooting 51 % from the field. Finally, Elon was blown out by # 18 Indiana, 96-72 on Tuesday. Mackinnon once again led the Phoenix offense with 19 points, and as a team the Phoenix were at least able to prevent the game from becoming a complete laugher by knocking down 10 threes.

(12-23-2022 03:47 PM)Seahawk Nation 08 Wrote:  CAA play is upon us! Thus, this will be the final power rankings of the year. The CAA Standings will decide the pecking order far better than I can.


1.

W-L (vs. D1): 11-1
NET: 54
RPI: 7
KenPom: 95
Sagarin: 83
Power Ranking on 12/12: 1
D1 Results since 12/12: W/W (vs. Stetson; @ Coastal)

Charleston had trouble with a slightly below average Stetson squad at home, but ultimately still took care of business with a 65-60 victory. They had less trouble on the road against Coastal, finishing off their non-conference slate with a double-digit win in Conway, SC. The Cougars thus remain the top dog in the CAA.

Against Stetson, Grad transfer (from D-II West Liberty) Dalton Bolon led the team in both minutes (31) and scoring (16) while also swiping 3 steals. He was also a perfect 4-4 from the line, and as a team the Cougars were 13-14 from the charity stripe. Thus they pulled out the win over the Hatters despite a less-than efficient shooting day from the field. In the victory over the Chanticleers, Reyne Smith knocked down 5 threes on 10 attempts en route to 23 points. Bolon again had another solid day, with 18. Jaylon Scott, however, was the player of the game, as he did a little of everything: 11 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. The Cougars knocked down 14 threes as a team in the win.




2.

W-L (vs. D1): 8-3
NET: 73
RPI: 8
KenPom: 113
Sagarin: 115
Power Ranking on 12/12: 2
D1 Results since 12/12: W/W (vs. High Point; @ Campbell)

A 2-0 week for the Seahawks, albeit in close contests, also means no movement here: UNCW stays in the # 2 slot. How much of a threat to Charleston the Seahawks will be remains to be seen; a January 11th tilt at Trask between the 2 squads may well be what it takes to find out.




3.

W-L (vs. D1): 6-6
NET: 125
RPI: 38
KenPom: 140
Sagarin: 150
Power Ranking on 12/12: 4
D1 Results since 12/12: L (@ South Florida)

Hofstra's only D1 game of the slate over the past 2 weeks finished in a 77-70 road defeat to a middling South Florida team. It marked the 4th straight D1 loss for the Pride.

Aaron Estrada was his usual self in the loss to the Bulls, totaling 21 points in 40 minutes of work and also adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Tyler Thomas and Darlinstone Dubar added 17 apiece. But 17 team turnovers, 5 coming from Estrada, were the biggest reason for Hofstra's defeat in this one.




4.

W-L (vs. D1): 7-5
NET: 193
RPI: 153
KenPom: 202
Sagarin: 190
Power Ranking on 12/12: 5
D1 Results since 12/12: W/W/L (@ Princeton; @ Rider; vs. Ohio)

The Blue Hens took 2 of 3 this period, with a home loss to Ohio snapping a 5-game win streak. The Princeton win on the road was Delaware's best of the season to date per the NET rankings.

Against Princeton, Jyare Davis and Christian Ray combined for 45 points, with Davis (9 rebounds, 7 assists) coming very close to the rare collegiate triple-double. The Hens shot a gaudy 54.7 % from the field and were +6 in the turnover margin in this one. Delaware next stole a 1-point road victory over Rider, in which Jameer Nelson, Jr. (23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks) was the star. The Blue Hens did not play well against Ohio to finish up non-conference play, allowing the Bobcats to shoot 52.4 % and make 21 trips the free-throw line en route to scoring 95 points. 4 players finished in double-figures for Delaware but it wasn't enough.




5.

W-L (vs. D1): 8-5
NET: 153
RPI: 147
KenPom: 126
Sagarin: 161
Power Ranking on 12/12: 3
D1 Results since 12/12: L/L (vs. Northern Iowa; @ Bryant)

The Tigers continued their struggles and have now lost 4 straight games. And both of their losses this period were of the double-digits variety.

Against a subpar Northern Iowa team, Towson gave up 83 points on 54.2 % shooting, along with 32 free throw attempts. The Tigers' struggles with the press were on full display, as they surrendered 18 turnovers. That trend continued against Bryant as well, as they another 18 TOs. In this one, Charles Thompson scored 19 points and totaled 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.



6.

W-L (vs. D1): 5-6
NET: 195
RPI: 254
KenPom: 195
Sagarin: 176
Power Ranking on 12/12: 6
D1 Results since 12/12: L/W (@ Seton Hall; vs. Delaware St.)

Drexel's game against Fairfield was postponed, which is a shame, as it would have been a very winnable road game for the Dragons. As it stands, we didn't learn a whole lot more about Drexel, as they lost by 17 to a good Seton Hall team then destroyed a Delaware State team that is 0-10 against DI teams and outside of the top 350 in the NET rankings.

In the Seton Hall loss, Amari Williams posted a 14/11 double-double and also added 3 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals. However, the rest of the team shot a miserable 24.5 % from the field, including 23.5 % (8-34) from 3. On the plus side, the Dragons did force 15 Pirates turnovers. Then, in the 85-52 beatdown of Delaware State, it was 6-4 senior wing Luke House who had the biggest day, with 25 points on 10-15 shooting, including 5-10 from 3.



7.

W-L (vs. D1): 4-7
NET: 281
RPI: 231
KenPom: 254
Sagarin: 228
Power Ranking on 12/12: 7
D1 Results since 12/12: L/W (@ UIC; @ Davidson)

Northeastern fell against an Illinois-Chicago team whose DI record (7-5) doesn't include any victories over top-200 competition before picking up an encouraging road win over Davidson on Wednesday. The 1-1 road trip moved the needle forward for the Huskies, who should never be counted out as long as Bill Coen is the head coach. They'll also open CAA play with a pair of home games.

In the games against UIC and Davidson, Jahmyl Telfort did what he does, posting 20-point games in each contest. However, 16 turnovers did the Huskies in against the Flames in the 81-73 loss. In the 3-point win over Davidson, NU committed 17 TOs but still won thanks to a perimeter shooting disparity: The Huskies shot 47.4 % (9-19) from deep, whole the Wildcats finished a paltry 2-12.




8.

W-L (vs. D1): 2-8
NET: 282
RPI: 289
KenPom: 271
Sagarin: 274
Power Ranking on 12/12: 9
D1 Results since 12/12: L/W/L/L/L (@ Houston; vs. Texas Southern; vs. Norfolk St.; @ UTEP; vs. New Mexico St.)

It was a very busy pair of weeks for A&T that began with a road game against the # 3 team in the nation and finished with not one but two tournaments; the HBCU Challenge in Las Vegas and the Sun Bowl Invitational hosted by UTEP. Across their 5 contests in a 9-day period, four of which were against top-200 competitions and two in the top-100, the Aggies finished 1-4.

Against Houston, Kam Woods shouldered the scoring load with 26 of the Aggies' 46 points. He was an efficient 10-18 from the field overall and turned some heads in the 74-46 defeat to a top-5 Cougars team. A&T bounced back with an overtime 67-66 win over Texas Southern at the HBCU Classic. This time it was Marcus Watson who led the way, with a 25/12 double-double. Despite losing the turnover battle (-8), A&T won by dominating on the glass, 48-31. The next day, the Aggies fell in another close contest, 70-66 to Norfolk St. 4 scored in double-figures in a much more balanced scoring night. 3 days later, at the Sun Bowl Classic, the Aggies lost to host UTEP by 13. Turnovers were a problem in this one, as the starting 5 committed 13 of the 14 miscues. A&T finished off the week with an 85-76 loss to New Mexico State.





9.

W-L (vs. D1): 3-8
NET: 286
RPI: 229
KenPom: 309
Sagarin: 277
Power Ranking on 12/12: 8
D1 Results since 12/12: L (@ UMBC)

The Tribe played just one D1 game this period, and it was not a good one; a 78-62 road loss against UMBC.

4 players scored in double digits for the Tribe and they only committed 11 turnovers, but the Retrievers were allowed to shoot 53.6 % from the field in a relatively easy victory.




10.

W-L (vs. D1): 2-9
NET: 331
RPI: 324
KenPom: 330
Sagarin: 287
Power Ranking on 12/12: 12
D1 Results since 12/12: W/L/W/L (vs. Sacred Heart; @ Wagner; vs. Army; @ West Virginia)

Stony Brook picked up their first D1 win of the season against Sacred Heart, and later landed another victory over Army. This strong 2-2 period, even against, is important for the Seawolves and demonstrates they may be a slight notch above very the bottom of the league. And that's true even though their victories came against similarly weak competition.

Against Sacred Heart, 5 different players ended up scoring in double figures for the Seawolves. 6-10 big man Kenan Sarvan led the way off the bench, with 16, and added 6 boards, 1 block and 1 steal in just 23 minutes of action. A +6 turnover margin for SBU made the difference in the 71-64 victory over the Pioneers. Next, SBU took a short trip from Long Island to Staten Island to face Wagner. The Seahawks bested the Seawolves in this one, 58-55. Grad transfer Frankie Policelli posted a 13/11 double-double in the losing effort. Then, in the 66-59 home win over Army, Policelli put up an even stronger game, this time with a 22/19 double-double. He will be a force come CAA play. The Seawolves finished off their strong performance with a 75-64 loss at West Virginia.





11.

W-L (vs. D1): 2-9
NET: 342
RPI: 327
KenPom: 350
Sagarin: 336
Power Ranking on 12/12: 10
D1 Results since 12/12: L/L (vs. Norfolk St.; vs. Texas Southern)

The HBCU Challenge featured another CAA squad along with NC A&T, as the Pirates played their lone 2 games of the period in the tournament in Vegas. Unfortunately, they were both losses.

In a 78-66 loss to Norfolk State, Jordan Nesbitt stuffed the stat sheet, with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. Still, his offensive effort wasn't exactly efficient, as he shot 5-19 from the field, and this was mimicked by his teammates; as a team, Hampton shot just 34.9 % from the field. Hampton was at least much more efficient in an 82-77 defeat against Texas Southern, where they shot 44.1 % from the field and 40.9 % (9-22) from 3. Nesbitt let four double-digit scorers, with 18.





12.

W-L (vs. D1): 1-12
NET: 358
RPI: 313
KenPom: 336
Sagarin: 346
Power Ranking on 12/12: 11
D1 Results since 12/12: L/L/L (@ Syracuse; vs. Charlotte; vs. Yale)

Monmouth lost 3 games this period and weren't competitive in the latter 2 contests.

In the aforementioned contest @ Syracuse, Jack Collins and Myles Foster each had a nice game, with Collins finishing with 20 points, 3 assists and 2 steals and Foster adding 17 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Monmouth showed strong ball movement, with 19 assists against the Cuse 2-3 Zone. The subsequent loss to Charlotte, however, was quite discouraging as Monmouth was blown out, 80-46. The 49ers torched the Hawks from the field, shooting 58.5 % and 44.4 % (12-27) from the perimeter. Monmouth was, unfortunately, non-competitive in their final game of OOC play against Yale, which resulted in a 76-44 defeat.





13.

W-L (vs. D1): 0-11
NET: 350
RPI: 363
KenPom: 343
Sagarin: 332
Power Ranking on 12/12: 13
D1 Results since 12/12: L/L/L (@ Presbyterian; @ Valparaiso; @ Indiana)

Elon finished the non-conference slate winless against D1 foes and thus its quite easy to keep them in the bottom spot entering league play. At least their losses to Presbyterian College and Valparaiso were close games.

Against PC, Elon shot a dismal 33.3 % (8-24) from the perimeter compared to a slightly better 37.9 % (11-29) for the Blue Hose, which made the difference in a 69-63 defeat. Next, Max Mackinnon posted a strong line against Valparaiso, with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the 71-66 defeat. Somehow Elon found a way to lose this one despite a +13 turnover ratio, thanks in large part to the Beacons shooting 51 % from the field. Finally, Elon was blown out by # 18 Indiana, 96-72 on Tuesday. Mackinnon once again led the Phoenix offense with 19 points, and as a team the Phoenix were at least able to prevent the game from becoming a complete laugher by knocking down 10 threes.

Thanks for the write up and analysis. Let the conference games begin!

Great job Nation!