Mid-Major Basketball Landscape 2023
As the college basketball season heads into February, it’s notable that the last time a team from outside the major conferences clinched a national title was UConn in 2014—a team recognized for its previous Big East affiliation. However, the narrative this season showcases the emergence of several formidable programs not within the power conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, and SEC). Gonzaga continues to be at the forefront of discussions in men’s basketball, maintaining a strong 22-1 record and sitting at No. 5 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. Likewise, No. 20 Saint Louis boasts an impressive season, only faltering once against Stanford by a narrow margin. Miami (Ohio), currently ranked No. 24, stands as one of the only two remaining unbeaten teams in NCAA Division I, trailed closely by top-ranked Arizona. The landscape of mid-major basketball is vibrant this year, filled with potential ‘Cinderella’ stories as numerous teams assert themselves ahead of the postseason.
Top Mid-Major Teams
1. Gonzaga (22-1)
In a recent encounter against their rivals, Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga celebrated a 73-65 victory, significantly aided by a stellar performance from Graham Ike, who scored 30 points. The two teams are set to clash once more on February 28 at Moraga, California. Gonzaga will transition to the Pac-12 next season, so fans are eager for another matchup against the Gaels ahead of that.
2. Saint Louis (21-1)
The Billikens recently showcased their competitive edge, securing a dramatic win over George Washington thanks to a 3-pointer by Robbie Avila just before the buzzer. Their subsequent 102-71 win against Dayton highlighted their prowess, prompting celebrations on campus, including an evening of fun at a local bar led by Coach Josh Schertz.
3. Miami (Ohio) (22-0)
Under Coach Travis Steele‘s leadership, the RedHawks are riding high, most recently emerging victorious over UMass by a narrow score before overwhelming Northern Illinois with a decisive 24-point win. This latter game drew a record crowd of 10,640 to Millett Hall, marking a significant moment in the school’s athletic history.
4. Utah State (18-3)
Following a brief slump with two consecutive losses, the Aggies have rebounded strongly, winning their last three games, the most recent against San Diego State where Karson Templin contributed impressively from the bench.
5. Santa Clara (19-5)
After a shaky start, the Broncos have found their rhythm, clinching 10 victories in their last 11 games. Their offense surged recently with a commanding win against Loyola Marymount, bolstered by a dynamic performance from senior guard Brenton Knapper.
6. Saint Mary’s (19-4)
Though they faced a tough defeat against Gonzaga, the Gaels still have a chance for redemption in the coming weeks, with upcoming rivals to contend against while looking to secure strategic victories before the close of the season.
7. New Mexico (18-4)
Freshman Tomislav Buljan has become a key player for the Lobos, recently achieving double-doubles in five consecutive games, showcasing his impact as he navigates his debut season.
8. San Diego State (15-6)
While their recent performances have been inconsistent, the Aztecs faced strong competition in the Mountain West, suggesting their potential for a turnaround as they approach the second half of the season.
9. George Mason (20-2)
Kory Mincy has emerged as a standout player for the Patriots, leading them in scoring and contributing significantly to their strong season, helping them achieve an impressive overall record.
10. Akron (18-4)
The Zips are on the cusp of achieving another milestone with the potential for a fifth consecutive 20-win season, highlighted by a strong performance against rival Kent State last week.
These rankings reflect just how vibrant the mid-major basketball scene is this season, setting the stage for a thrilling finish as teams strive for postseason glory.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY.
