As voted on by our staff, here is this week’s Atlantic 10 Power Rankings.
1. Saint Louis Billikens
With 3 losses by 11 total points, Saint Louis is very close to having an impressive NCAA Tournament resume. In fact, the Billikens probably should have beat Houston on the road this past weekend. However, opportunities to move the needle are dwindling. SLU is probably the conference favorite right now.
2. Davidson Wildcats
Falling to #2 this week, Davidson had an impressive showing against Temple without Kellan Grady — again, a game the Wildcats really should have won. Unfortunately, Davidson followed that up with a sub-par shooting night on the road against Wake Forest. This team really needs Kellan Grady back.
3. VCU Rams
Havoc defense was in full force this weekend, creating 23 turnovers, but the Rams couldn’t quite capitalize as Charleston shot its way to a road win over the Rams. Tough loss for VCU’s NCAA Tournament hopes.
4. Rhode Island Rams
In a weekend where nothing seemed to be going right in the Atlantic 10, Rhode Island gave some hope, topping West Virginia in Mohegan Sun. Granted, the Mountaineers were without one of their best players, but URI finally started playing to its full potential; hence, the Rams are up to #4 this week.
5. Dayton Flyers
Dayton falls to the 5 spot after a rough showing against Tulsa, a team that Anthony Grant’s club was very capable of beating. The Flyers have 5 losses on the young season, a lot of which feel like “what could have been.” This team should make significant noise in conference play though.
6. Duquesne Dukes
The Dukes have an awesome opportunity on Wednesday when they face Penn St. in Pittsburgh, one of their biggest games of the year. Duquesne has strung together a couple of wins and dominated Maine the other day, but the Nittany Lions will be a tougher test. Really looking forward to that one.
7. Saint Joseph’s Hawks
The Hawks didn’t play this week, but a big test against Loyola Chicago is in the near future.
8. Massachusetts Minutemen
A 2 point loss on the road to Temple was a difficult pill for McCall’s club to swallow, despite having a lead for a large chunk of the game. Massachusetts plays great basketball when its inspired and isn’t careless with the basketball. Unfortunately, easy giveaways cost this club a chance at a great road win.
9. St. Bonaventure Bonnies
The Bonnies still have a brutal non-conference schedule to face before league play begins. Vermont, Northeaster, and Syracuse all wait on the road. Winning 1 of these 3 would be a great feat.
10. George Mason Patriots
Mason had some time off this week, but a road test against Kansas St. coming up is the last really good test for the Patriots before league play. They’ll also take on Navy.
11. Fordham Rams
Fordham lost at home to NJIT and beat Howard this week. Expect the Rams to pull some league play upsets this year if Nick Honor gets going like he’s capable of doing.
12. Richmond Spiders
Well, they just lost at home to Oral Roberts, putting up 52 points, and still aren’t last.
13. George Washington Colonials
The Colonials aren’t last this week after beating Howard at home.
14. La Salle Explorers
La Salle and Alabama A&M are a combined 0-19 heading into Friday’s contest. Someone has to win.
