After not knowing when the season would start or how it would look, the first week of the season for mid-major teams have come with some impressive performances and notable wins that put the rest of the country, especially power 5 teams, on notice. Here are the updated Mid-Major top 10 rankings after the first week.
- South Dakota State (3-0) Prev. Ranking: 5
The Jackrabbits opened up the season up with their very own top 25 and Power 5 victory. They showed they can hang with top teams in their win over then ranked #15 Iowa State. Having three players score in double figures also showed that they have plenty of options to turn to on the offensive side of the game. They followed that win up with a strong showing in a win against Creighton.
- Missouri State (2-1) Prev. Ranking: 2
Missouri State has come out guns blazing this season. They dominated a very good Florida Gulf Coast team and followed up that win with an even more impressive performance in handing then ranked #12 Maryland a loss. Despite a setback at the hand of Wake Forest, MSU had a strong opening week.
- Gonzaga (1-1) Prev. Ranking: 1
Gonzaga gave top rated South Carolina a heck of a scare during this last weekend, even taking a lead with under four minutes left in the game. They seemed to have some fatigue for a majority of the game against South Dakota the following day but did rally from 18 points down to secure the hard-fought 54-50 win.
- Ohio (2-0) Prev. Ranking: NR
Ohio may not have been in the preseason rankings, but their opening play had shown that they should have been. They have come away with two tight wins so far including the noteworthy defeat of then ranked #22 Notre Dame. Guards CeCe Hooks and Erica Johnson are much-watch level players.
- South Dakota (0-2) Prev. Ranking: 3
While opening up a season with two losses is not ideal, losing to South Carolina and Gonzaga is nothing to hang your head from. They were right in the game with both teams and even had an 18-point lead at over Gonzaga during the game. A team that will be difficult to slow down this season.
- Florida Gulf Coast (2-2) Prev. Ranking: 4
FGCU opened up with some difficult matchups with Missouri State and Arkansas. They were able to push Arkansas to the brink below falling and then ended the weekend with a win over Davidson. Ohio State transfer Kierstan Bell being cleared to play gives them a bona fide star to rely on all season. She powered up 24 points and 20 rebounds in her first game.
- Green Bay (1-0) Prev. Ranking: 9
The Phoenix of Green Bay opened up the season with an impressive defensive performance in their victory over the high-scoring Drake Bulldogs.
- Drake (1-1) Prev. Ranking: 7
Drake came out in their season opener against Creighton and powered to a strong double-digit win. They struggled to find their offensive footing at Green Bay leading them to split their first two games.
- Buffalo (1-0) Prev. Ranking: NR
Buffalo wasted no time making a statement in their opening game with a dominating 80-64 win over James Madison. Dyaisha Fair powered in 29 points and Hanna Hall joined in scoring 24 points.
- James Madison (1-1) Prev. Ranking: 8
JMU opened up the season with a 69-55 win. They were led by Jamia Hazell, who scored 18 points off the bench, and Rayne Tucker, who had an impressive 16 point/18 rebound double-double. They suffered a set-back in their next game to a strong buffalo team.
Also Considered:
-Bradley (1-1)
-Northern Iowa (1-1)
-George Washington (2-0)
-Dayton (1-0)
-Northern Arizona (1-1)
-Grand Canyon (1-0)
-VCU (1-2)
