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The latest AP poll for women’s basketball came out today and no MAC team received a vote. That is not surprising, though it is a shame. Central Michigan, Buffalo, and Ohio should probably all be getting some national media love. While I don’t think any of the 3 should be ranked just yet, they should be on the radar. Their rankings in the RPI are 25, 31, and 36, respectively. The question is, which should be ranked atop our power rankings?
#12 Bowling Green Falcons
(7-11 overall, 0-7 MAC)
After some early season promise, the Falcons have faded. Coach Fralick had a lot of work to do, and Rome wasn’t built in a day. Sometimes you take a few steps forward, and a few steps back in this process.
#11 Kent State Golden Flashes
(10-8 overall, 3-4 MAC)
The Golden Flashes have lost 4 in a row. Up next is Akron and then Ball State. If they want to climb from the near bottom, this is their chance. They are really close to the next few teams on this list.
#10 Ball State Cardinals
(7-12 overall, 2-5 MAC)
Their win against Kent brought them here. Their stay here will likely be short lived, as they face Buffalo, Ohio, and Central Michigan next. Ouch.
#9 Western Michigan Broncos
(8-9 overall, 2-4 MAC)
Their last two outings saw the Broncos edge Ball State and be a party to a viral video in a close loss to Buffalo. This team has the pieces to put together a run, they just need to find some scoring.
#8 Akron Zips
(12-6 overall, 3-4 MAC)
The Zips have lost 3 of their last 4, before knocking off Toledo. Their prior win was a close one against Bowling Green. This team is in trouble, but that win against Toledo proved that they might be able to salvage this season.
#7 Eastern Michigan Eagles
(10-8 overall, 3-4 MAC)
I like this team. Their schedule does not. 3 of their 4 conference losses are to CMU, Buffalo, and Ohio. The other loss was to rival Kent.
#6 Northern Illinois Huskies
(11-8 overall, 3-4 MAC)
Similar situation as the Eagles, the Huskies have had their share of tough games. A win against a good Miami team is why I gave them the edge.
#5 Toledo Rockets
(12-6 overall, 4-3 MAC)
A win against Central Michigan was huge. A loss to Akron showed that this team still struggles to score. If they can fix that, they are as good of a team as any in this league.
#4 Miami RedHawks
(13-4 overall, 4-2 MAC)
This team is just on the outside of the Big Three in the conference. They did manage to knock off Central Michigan in their only scheduled contest this season and head to Athens next. A win there and I will start believing there is a four way race for the conference regular season title.
#3 Central Michigan Chippewas
(14-5 overall, 5-2 overall)
The Chippewas have not been that impressive in their last 4 contests. I am confident this team will figure it out, but power rankings are a “what have you done for me lately” type of thing. Also, the two teams above them are really great, too.
#2 Ohio Bobcats
(17-1 overall, 6-1 MAC)
There is a wall of wins on Ohio’s schedule, with the lone loss to a loaded Central Michigan. I know Central went to the Convo and won convincingly, but that was one game. At their best, the Chippewas are better. The Bobcats have just been more consistent this season.
#1 Buffalo Bulls
(14-4 overall, 6-1 MAC)
The Bulls are looking like a Sweet 16 type of team again, and Cierra Dillard is looking like a first team All-American (though likely she will be third team). They have won 6 straight, with their lone loss in conference play a close one against Ohio, in their first conference game this year. Their life at the top might be short lived, however, as they take on the Chippewas in Mount Pleasant on Groundhog Day.