My head hurts.
It could be the lack of sleep. Perhaps it's the non-stop craziness of playing with the new website. But I'm pretty sure it's trying to decipher the Mid-American Conference. Again.
As always, check out last week's rankings here
I've said this for most of the season, but it has gotten worse. Just in the past week, Akron beat Buffalo, who beat Miami. Akron also beat Miami, but was drubbed by Ohio. Western Michigan has been beating everybody, but we all know the West doesn't matter. Oh well. This is what I came up with. Let's get to it before my brain throbs any more.
1. Kent State (20-10, 11-4 MAC; LW: 1)
Despite a minor setback in a 88-87 overtime loss to Ohio, the Golden Flashes showed the ability to erase a 21-point lead. Kent State became the first team in a decade to win the regular-season MAC title in consecutive years with Miami's loss to Buffalo Wednesday.
2. Ohio (17-13, 9-6 MAC; LW: 6)
Just like that, the Bobcats are in their highest spot in these rankings since the preseason. They couldn't deserve it more after winning five in a row and nine of their last 11. They held on to beat Kent State and dismantled Akron. Ohio is peaking at the right time
3. Akron (19-11, 9-6 MAC; LW: 2)
The Zips piked a bad day to struggle, as the Bobcats destroyed them, ending Akron's six-game winning streak. Coach Keith Dambrot made it seem like he expects to see Ohio again this season, saying his team had to "change some things" the next time the teams play.
4. Miami (15-15, 10-5 MAC; LW: 3)
With a chance to get the top seed in the MAC Tournament, the RedHawks had a let down against Buffalo. Julian Mavunga struggled one day after I ranked him as the MAC Player of the Year, but Miami should still have a first-round bye in the tournament.
5. Buffalo (17-11, 8-7 MAC; LW: 4)
The East's dominance is shown again, as I have even the 8-7 Bulls ahead of West-leading Western Michigan. The Bulls were struggling before Wednesday's win against Miami, but they remind me a lot of Ohio last year. This team is scary-talented. Trust me. It will make a deep MAC Tournament run.
6. Western Michigan (10-5 MAC; LW: 5)
A win against Ball State Wednesday just about clinched the West for the Broncos. A team that has flied pretty much under the rader (something I acknolwedge but stil don't care), the Broncos might be motivated to prove the West doubters (and I am definitely one of them) wrong.
7. Ball State (17-12, 9-6 MAC; LW: 7)
The bad news: If Ohio beats Miami Friday, the Cardinals will fail to get a first-round bye in the MAC Tournament. The good news: A first-round home game against Toledo is just like a bye.
8. Central Michigan (10-19, 7-8 MAC; LW: 9)
For a team with so many underclassmen, the Chippewas have been competitive. I don't expect much from them in the Tournament, but they will be feared in a year or two.
9. Bowling Green (12-18, 7-8 MAC; LW: 8)
I knew it. I knew the Falcons weren't for real. After an incredible start, they've reverted back to their non-conference habits of playing bad basketball.
10. Northern Illinois (9-19, 5-10 MAC; LW: 11)
Xavier Silas has missed the past two games, but the Huskies had no trouble beating Eastern Michigan without him.
11. Eastern Michigan (8-21, 4-11 MAC; LW: 10)
I'd say the Eagles have next year to look forward to, but that would be a lie. The future looks pretty dark in Ypsilanti, especially post-Brandon Bowdry.
12. Toledo (4-26, 1-14 MAC; LW: 12)
The season can't end soon enough for Toledo. But it will, in approximately six days.
