By Michael Stainbrook
Alas, we have reached the final mid-season rankings for women’s basketball. I certainly hope you like roller coasters. I don’t, but I’ve had to ride this one all winter.
Check out last week’s post to see what’s changed.
1. Toledo (21-6, 13-1 MAC) — Last Week: No. 1
The Rockets are within smelling distance of removing Bowling Green from the perennial pedestal of MAC women’s basketball. The Falcons have had a stranglehold on the regular-season crown for the past six seasons, but Toledo defeated Bowling Green and has not lost since. All together, the Rockets ride a nine-game winning streak into the final week of play. Central Michigan might challenge the team, but only a win against Northern Illinois is required to wrap up the title.
2. Bowling Green (23-4, 11-3 MAC) — Last Week: 2
It really isn’t fair that the Falcons have won six straight games. They struggled in the first half against Ohio, defeated Northern Illinois by only three points, and just this Wednesday, a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Lauren Prochaska gave Bowling Green a two-point win against Akron. The Falcons continue to play mediocre basketball, but a team that always finds a way to win is hard to beat. No, I did not steal that phrase from Yogi Berra.
3. Central Michigan (18-8, 10-4 MAC) — Last Week: No. 3
Within each game, the Chippewas control their own destiny. If they put half a billion points on the board, they win. If they forget how to score, they lose. Fortunately for Central Michigan, there have been plenty of points this season. I wouldn’t count on this team to win the MAC tourney, though; so much changes during tournament time.
4. Eastern Michigan (18-10, 9-5 MAC) — Last Week: No. 4
A close loss to Toledo warrants raking this squad above Kent State. The Eagles have a lot of talent on offense, but their defense knows how to step up, too. For example: Eastern Michigan 85, Ohio 40; Eastern Michigan 62, Northern Illinois 35. The Eagles need to beat their rival from Mt. Pleasant to substantiate their claim as a top-tier team in the league.
5. Kent State (19-7, 10-4 MAC) — Last Week: No. 5
The Flashes continue to play below their maximum capability. Another close win against Ohio shows this team allows weaker opponents to hang around for a while. The most recent bright spot was a 20-point victory against Buffalo, but otherwise, this team is getting by with close wins against young teams.
6. Buffalo (14-13, 7-7 MAC)
This ranking is not based on the team’s mediocre record, but the disparity between its key components.
Kourtney Brown: Top player in the conference. Averages 22 points per game.
Rest of the Team: Worst supporting cast in the conference. Averages 43 points per game.
The Bulls have talent. That was apparent during their three-game win streak that included road victories against the Chippewas and Eagles. Losses to squads such as Miami and Northern Illinois have prevented a 9-5 conference record.
7. Akron (13-13, 6-8 MAC) — Last Week: No. 7
The Zips have played three straight close games, winning the first two before dropping the most recent one to Bowling Green. Akron’s four-game win streak breathed life into this squad, and closing with victories against Miami and Kent State could make the Zips a tough competitor in Cleveland.
8. Western Michigan (8-19, 4-10 MAC) — Last Week: No. 11
Gasp! What about 5-9 Northern Illinois? Wasn’t this team in last place a couple weeks ago? Has this writer lost his mind?!
I’ll answer these questions in order:
a. Northern Illinois might be the better team overall, but face-to-face, the Broncos have won that battle — twice. Any team that sweeps the regular-season series gets the upper hand in my rankings.
b. This is a valid point. Western Michigan is by no means a good team, but when the team has its act together, it achieves outcomes that shouldn’t happen. The Broncos beat the Falcons in jaw-dropping fashion. Two wins against Northern Illinois is a pleasant accomplishment, especially because the Huskies are so unpredictable. The victory against Miami wasn’t shocking, but the 19-point margin was.
c. Maybe.
9. Northern Illinois (11-16, 5-9 MAC) — Last Week: No. 8
The Huskies have the potential to beat any team. Theys also have the record to prove this potential is largely unrealized. A win against Ball State is likely, but taking down Toledo is a bit less probable. The team needs two wins or a win against Northern Illinois and one Western Michigan loss to play a home game in the opening round of the conference tournament.
10. Ball State (9-18, 4-10 MAC) — Last Week: No. 9
The Cardinals have taken a nosedive in February. A seven-game slide has this team looking rather shabby entering the final two games of the season. Wrapping up the schedule with matches against Western Michigan and Northern Illinois could help or hurt this team’s psyche.
11. Ohio (7-20, 3-11 MAC) — Last Week: No. 10
The Bobcats’ five-game slide has them out of contention for a first-round home game. Kamille Buckner has needed to step up inside with Thia Gholson injured and on the bench, but the demand has led to more fouls, less minutes and more free throws for opponents. Ohio needs a win to find some confidence before the tournament begins.
12. Miami (10-17, 2-12 MAC) — Last Week: 12
How does a team that posts an 8-5 nonconference record lose 12 conference games? In this case, I am clueless. This phenomenon is somewhat typical for weaker teams in power conferences, but the MAC is not a power conference. The RedHawks have not won since Jan. 15, and only a game at Ohio gives Miami a chance to salvage some dignity before the offseason.
