Patrick’s Power Rankings

As the month of February ends, basketball fans across the country are beginning to feel the excitement of the two best words in sports, “March Madness.” This feeling is even more intensified in the heart of America as MACtion is about to take center stage in Cleveland.

With two conference games remaining, little has been settled as far as seeding. Even teams at the bottom of the standings are still hoping for a first round home game. And tiebreaker scenarios? Don’t ask yet, hopefully things will sort themselves out.

So what team currently reigns supreme?  What teams are peaking at the right time?  Luckily for you, the answers are below in this week’s Patrick’s Power Rankings…

1). Bowling Green (21-8, 12-4 MAC) – Just when you think you have a grasp on this league; its top ranked team gets blown out by last place Miami. However the Falcons recent dominant performance against Akron is enough to claim the top spot.

2). Akron (22-7, 12-4 MAC) – The Zips have won six of their last seven and quickly erased the bad feeling they had at Bowling Green, with an impressive road win at Buffalo. Loren Cristian Jackson continues to lead the way for Akron as he matched his career high with 35 points against the Bulls.

3). Northern Illinois (17-12, 10-6 MAC) – Huskies’ fans are hoping the team didn’t peak midseason during its six game winnings streak. Despite losing three of five, Northern Illinois is still in great position to get a bye to Cleveland for the conference tournament.

4). Buffalo (18-11, 9-7 MAC) – The Bulls have been one of the streakiest teams in the country this season, with five separate winning and losing streaks. Unfortunately for Buffalo, its current streak is the losing variety.

5). Ball State (16-13, 9-7 MAC) – The Cardinals have been a tough team to figure out this season. At points they have looked like title contenders, while other times just a middle of the pack team. If they make a run in March is will be on the back on forward Tahjai Teague.

6). Kent State (18-11, 8-8 MAC) – The Golden Flashes are trending in the wrong direction as we flip the calendar to March. Despite losing five of their last seven games, Kent State’s athleticism makes them a team to be feared come tournament time.

7). Ohio (15-14, 7-9 MAC) – The Bobcats spent last week doing something they haven’t done much this year, closing out games. A lesson, if learned earlier, (4 conference losses by 3 points or less), could have seen Ohio challenge for a bye to Cleveland.

8). Toledo (15-14, 7-9 MAC) – At one point Toledo was staring at a 3-8 conference record and the possibility of a really long February and March. Now the Rockets can’t wait until March Madness and see themselves as a real factor come tournament time.

9). Eastern Michigan (16-13, 6-10 MAC) – The Eagles have turned their season around winning six of nine after starting conference play with seven straight losses. A more balanced attack, and an improved emphasis on their zone defense, are reasons why Eastern Michigan will be a tough out in March.

10). Miami (12-17, 5-11 MAC) – The RedHawks proved to themselves, and the rest of the conference, that they can play with anyone after defeating first place Bowling Green 73-55.

11). Western Michigan (12-17, 5-11 MAC) – The Broncos ended a five-game losing with a recent win against West Division leader, Northern Illinois. That win will give Western Michigan fans hope that more upsets will be in store over the next two weeks.

12). Central Michigan (13-16, 6-10 MAC) – The Chippewas are in complete freefall after losing eight straight games. Forward David Dileo has been one of the few bright spots for Central Michigan.