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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 18

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders guard Giddy Potts (20) and forward Reggie Upshaw (30) react during the second half of the first round against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders guard Giddy Potts (20) and forward Reggie Upshaw (30) react during the second half of the first round against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
23

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Last week: 25-4, 15-1 Conference USA
Last rank: NR

Middle Tennessee just keeps winning with the rest of the bottom part of the top-25 mired in chaos, earning the Blue Raiders their first not in the power rankings this season.

Kermit Davis’ team escaped a major scare that would have ended any hopes of an at-large bid on Thursday after erasing an early 19-point deficit against 7-24 Florida International for an eventual 70-67 win. The close call didn’t have any lasting impact, as Middle Tennessee crushed Florida Atlantic two days later for its 17th win in 18 games to close out the regular season.

While Conference USA only has one other decent team in Louisiana Tech, the Blue Raiders have picked up wins over other top mid-majors in Belmont and UNC-Wilmington, in addition to a blowout of potential tournament team Vanderbilt on Dec. 8. This year’s team is much improved from the one that infamously topped Michigan State a year ago, as Arkansas transfer Jacorey Williams is leading the team in scoring and rebounding to support holdovers Giddy Potts and Reggie Upshaw.

KenPom’s ratings give the Blue Raiders one of the highest marks of any mid-major with the No. 52 overall ranking in adjusted efficiency. The Blue Raiders are particularly tough on the defensive end with strong turnover and rebounding marks, in addition to successfully limiting opponents from the perimeter.

That could all add up to another victory or two in the Big Dance, but the Blue Raiders will likely be left out with an early exit in the Conference USA Tournament this week, so the pressure is on. Middle Tennessee opens in Wednesday’s quarterfinals against the winner of the 8-9 game between Western Kentucky and UTSA.