The chaos within the Horizon League this week is not reflected in drastic power ranking changes, but the action has the author on edge thinking about what could possibly happen next. Here is this week’s edition of the rankings.
1.Wright State
How about the week the Raiders had? After handling business for seven games in a row, Wright State dropped a shocking home game to Cleveland State. WSU retains the No. 1 spot because of how it handled Northern Kentucky, and the help it received from the team behind them.
2. Oakland
Oakland’s loss at home to IU Indy may have been more shocking than Wright State’s loss, given the score. IU Indy poured in 103 points and led the Golden Grizzlies by 26 in the final minutes. Like Wright State, Oakland was impressive in its bounce back, handling Detroit Mercy on the road 95-87. Big week ahead with Purdue Fort Wayne and Northern Kentucky.
3. Purdue Fort Wayne
Winners of five in a row, this looks like a team that will have to be paid attention to. Corey Hadnot II is up to 20 points per game on the season, and the ‘Dons look like a contender because of it. Purdue Fort Wayne has their chance to really announce themselves this week when Oakland comes to town.
4. Green Bay
Just like the top two, Green Bay stays out even after a loss to a bottom three team in the standings. The Phoenix went on the road and were handled by Youngstown State, but followed it up with a solid win at Robert Morris. Green Bay has four of the next five at home as they look to make a push towards the top of the standings.
5. Northern Kentucky
The Norse’s only showing for this week’s edition was an 88-80 loss at Wright State. Four guys are averaging over 14 points a game, with Donovan Oday leading the way at 17.9. This team is dangerous, but have now lost three of its last four. Big road trip to Michigan looms this weekend.
6. Robert Morris
The Colonials split with the Wisconsin teams at home. DeSean Goode has been great, but quick shoutout to Ryan Prather Jr. He had 20+ points in four games in a row, before having 14 against Green Bay. He’s playing like someone who knows how to win a championship in this league.
7. Milwaukee (+1)
Stevie Elam! His game winner lifted the Panthers over Youngstown State on the road, in a win that felt massive for how tough life has been for Milwaukee. Seems like Faizon Fields is getting closer and closer to returning, and that would be a huge boost for this Milwaukee frontline. Don’t write them off.
8. Detroit Mercy (-1)
Detroit Mercy lost two tough battles at home with Purdue Fort Wayne and Oakland. The Titans have a tough schedule down the stretch here, and are going to need some great performances to stack wins. Legend Geeter is someone who can step up and be a needed post scoring threat — he just had 24 against Oakland.
9. Cleveland State
The Vikings deserved to move up, but it’s hard to put them ahead of someone who has beaten them twice by double digits. What a win for them at Wright State. Dayan Nessah’s 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists is one of the best performances in the league so far. Can they build off of this in Wisconsin?
10. IU Indy (+1)
You deserve to be out of the basement, Jags. Kyler D’Augustino and Finley Woodward were magical at Oakland, and they got their biggest win of the season by far. They go to Robert Morris and Youngstown State next, which will not be easy with both teams desperate for wins.
11. Youngstown State (-1)
Unfortunately for Youngstown State, it got punished for two great wins by other teams. I’m sure the fan base won’t be too upset they are ranked here though, given how the season has gone. The Penguins did show signs of life in their home win against Green Bay, behind Cris Carroll’s 34 points and seven rebounds. They have IU Indy at home on Friday — a must win game for the Penguins.
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