MBB: Southland Conference Power Rankings - Week 9

There have been just over two weeks of Southland Conference action and nobody can claim undefeated status.

Of course, it is becoming increasingly clear to me (and probably everyone who reads this) that I have no idea what I am talking about. Whenever I drop someone, they go out and beat my top team the next week. Whenever I anoint someone as a top three team, they lose to my twelve. Such is the nature of 2017 basketball in the Southland Conference.

If you're as confused as the rest of us, worry not. I continue my attempt to help everyone make sense of it.

Also this:

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1. New Orleans

2016-17 record: 9-7 (4-1) | Last week's rank: 1

A two point loss to Sam wasn't enough for the Bearkats to jump to #1. At least not yet. We don't yet know if the Privateers are the class of the SLC and three of their four wins have been by single digits. So far, though, they are the most consistent.

2. Sam Houston State

2016-17 record: 13-6 (4-2) | Last week's rank: 3

After a rough start, the Bearkats have rattled off four-straight. They were somewhat bailed out after a rebound attempt following a missed free-throw in the final seconds of their win over New Orleans probably should have been called a foul.  Had that been the case, the Privateers would have shot two to win (down by one). Instead, a jump ball gave possession to Sam Houston. The Kats next four against Lamar, SELA, Corpus and SFA should be telling.

3. Southeastern Louisiana

2016-17 record: 11-8 (4-2) | Last week's rank: 5

They've hardly looked the part with some close games against (what we understand so far to be) lesser teams. Still, six games in and the Lions are still a contender for a top seed. I am shocked. The home rematch with HBU this Saturday should hopefully reveal a little more about who these guys are.

4. Central Arkansas

2016-17 record: 3-2 (4-14) | Last week's rank: 6

Here come the Bears! Well, sort of. With the exception of their early victory over Sam Houston State, their schedule has been less than impressive. I'll hold off on my excitement for now. They get my top team this week at home, though. Beat New Orleans and we'll talk.

5. Stephen F. Austin

2016-17 record: 8-9 (3-2) | Last week's rank: 11

They hit Corpus and Nicholls with everything they had this week. Here's the only problem - those were home games. Can they repeat the same success on the road where they have yet to win? A rematch with Corpus should be telling on Thursday. Considering they won by 33-points in the first game, how many do they have to win by on the road to show they don't forget how to play basketball outside of Nacogdoches anymore? Let's go with 1.

6. Lamar

2016-17 record: 11-7 (3-2) | Last week's rank: 7

You win some, you lose some. Seems to be Lamar’s motto this season. But as we all know in this conference, it isn't about how many wins you can string together in January. Its about winning four-straight in Katy. Losing to ACU wasn't a good look, but the Cardinals have played well enough to win every league game they've participated in.

7. Houston Baptist

2016-17 record: 7-9 (3-3) | Last week's rank: 2

They topped off an unexpectedly positive stretch for their team by dropping both matches this last week. The wins against Sam Houston State and Southeastern look pretty good right now. The losses to Incarnate Word and double-digits to UCA do not. This team isn't quite ready to be in the top tier.

8. Nicholls

2016-17 record: 9-9 (2-3) | Last week's rank: 4

Last week didn't go as planned. You never want to be the team that loses to the worst in the conference but Northwestern State has to pick up those couple wins somewhere. Losing DeAndre Harris to a stupid suspension certainly did not help matters in their blowout loss at SFA either.

9. Texas A&M-CC

2016-17 record: 9-7 (2-3) | Last week's rank: 8

They got embarrassed by SFA last week. If it happens again at home this week it’s time to panic at the beach. In between, the Islanders stopped the bleeding with a win over UCA. They still have a chance to be a pretty good team if they can find a way to win games outside of Corpus Christi.

10. Abilene Christian

2016-17 record: 8-9 (2-4) | Last week's rank: 10

SELA finished the sweep of ACU. In the Wildcats' defense, they played significantly better in the home edition then they did in Hammond. Still, a win over Lamar might be the only thing keeping this team from bottoming out in these rankings this year. Their next three are on the road. Don't hold your breath.

11. McNeese

2016-17 record: 5-11 (2-3) | Last week's rank: 9

Much like their NFL counterparts, these Cowboys couldn't win this week either. SFA's sequential road losses last week to McNeese and ACU continue to look worse and worse. The only good news for the Cowboys is they get to spend the week at home.

12. Incarnate Word

2016-17 record: 7-10 (2-4) | Last week's rank: 12

It's been a disappointing season so far, despite the win over HBU this week. Like many in the conference, the Cardinals seem to be a much different (still not good) team at home. The Cardinals get a shot at the recently hot SFA team this weekend with a chance to turn their fortunes around just a bit.

13. Northwestern State

2016-17 record: 7-9 (1-4) | Last week's rank: 13

They won a game! Northwestern State beat Nicholls this week and frustrated the Colonels leading scorer into a Flagrant 2, ejection, and suspension. Do not be too surprised if that ends up as the highlight of the season for the Demons - at least until they get back Zeek Woodley.