MBB: Southland Conference Power Rankings - Week 4

It was a slow week for many programs with finals in full effect. Just a few weeks away from conference play and with no clear front-runner emerging, this might be the most stability these Power Rankings find from one week to the next for the rest of the season.

We did learn some things last week. First, the C-USA.TV broadcasts are not worth $6.95 for a 24-hour pass (seriously, get it together). Second, New Orleans fans can be counted on to hold us accountable:

(Also assistant commissioner Chris Mycoskie)

Do you agree? Disagree? Should someone be ranked higher or lower? Sign up for a free account right here and join the conversation below. Share this with other Southland Conference fans and encourage them to join the discussion as well. Be sure to check back next week to see where your team stands.

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1. Texas A&M-CC

2016-17 record: 6-2 | Week 3 ranking: 1

The top team holds on for another week despite a loss to Texas A&M and a less than convincing win over Saint Mary’s (NAIA). On paper the Islanders still look like the best team, but the gap is beginning to narrow as in-conference games approach.

2. Abilene Christian

2016-17 record: 5-3 | Week 3 ranking: 2

The Wildcats only faced Northern New Mexico this week but took care of business behind budding superstar Jaren Lewis. This team could easily be 8-0 right now if a couple of balls would have bounced their way earlier this season. I'm predicting ACU to stay around the top of these rankings for a awhile and wouldn't be surprised if they challenge for the Southland regular season title.

3. Sam Houston State

2016-17 record: 6-3 | Week 3 ranking: 3

The second best “Kats/Cats” team in the rankings this week very narrowly escaped a drop to 4th place. Hooten and Company barely edged out a bad Southern Illinois team on Saturday and just haven't looked right all season. But hey, at least they didn't look as bad as their football team on Friday.

4. Incarnate Word

2016-17 record: 5-3 | Week 3 ranking: 4

The Cardinals look like they sleep-walked through the week with performances just good enough to beat Texas Lutheran and Texas A&M International. With UNLV and Loyola on tap this week the Cardinals have a chance to show who they really are.

5. Southeastern Louisiana

2016-17 record: 5-4 | Week 3 ranking: 5

No games this week but I cannot justify moving SFA into the top five after two-straight losses. SELA's position is shaky but solid performances vs. Florida Atlantic and Toledo this week could solidify them near the top.

6. Stephen F. Austin

2016-17 record: 3-5 | Week 3 ranking: 9

SFA fans have been claiming for years that they are too good for the Southland and would like to see a move. Conference USA frequently entered those conversations among fans. Well, they got to see what the future would hold in C-USA this week with games against UAB and Rice. While the Jacks couldn't grind out a win in either, they showed improvement, and despite their record, this team is trending in the right direction.

7. Northwestern State

2016-17 record: 4-4 | Week 3 ranking: 7

No games so no movement from the Demons this week. With huge games versus UL-Monroe and Rice, we should know a lot more about this team by next Monday.

8. Nicholls

2016-17 record: 5-5 | Week 3 ranking: 6

Watching Nicholls at Florida State on Thursday quickly turned into watching It’s Always Sunny on Netflix. Jokes aside, this week went as expected, getting handled by the Seminoles and then returning the favor versus Thomas College.

9. Lamar

2016-17 record: 5-4 | Week 3 ranking: 8

Lamar is my letdown team of the week for their poor performance vs Depaul. A loss is one thing but falling by 20 to a team that is comparably talented is not a good look. With a mediocre schedule remaining before Southland play, the Cardinals should make a strong finish before the games that actually matter.

10. New Orleans

2016-17 record: 4-4 | Week 3 ranking: 10

Last week I got some flack for saying that I didn't watch a New Orleans game that week. Well, I finally caught one last night. Unfortunately for the Privateers, they were not much work for a clearly superior Northwestern team. I will give them another shot this week against UL-Lafayette which should be a good measuring stick versus a potential tournament opponent.

11. Central Arkansas

2016-17 record: 1-8 | Week 3 ranking: 11

For as much trouble as SFA has had getting big name programs on the schedule, the Bears have played nothing but this season. With the loss to Arkansas-Little Rock this week, six of their nine games have come against teams that could in the tournament come March. Life doesn't get any easier with Michigan up next. Regardless of how this team finishes non-conference games, they will be very well battle tested heading into league play.

12. Houston Baptist

2016-17 record: 3-5 | Week 3 ranking: 12

HBU didn't put up much of a challenge for Indiana losing by a 42-point margin. However, in their other game this week, the Huskies' offense looked very lethargic and out of sync versus Saint Peter's. It appears that this team might have already started leveling off. If the play doesn't improve, they could be looking at a step back and a season at the bottom of the conference.

13. McNeese

2016-17 record: 2-5 | Week 3 ranking: 13

No games this week so they aren't going anywhere. Looking at their schedule, I would be surprised if they win another in the 2016 calendar year.