Best mid-major teams in college basketball

There are always conversations circling around the national champion contenders throughout the power conferences. Although these teams can likely never enter the true conversation, there are always questions about which teams are most prepared to create magic in March. Let’s jump in. Note that I won’t include Gonzaga; they are in a league of their own.

1. Saint Louis (20-1) - 1st in A-10

The Billikens have six different players averaging double-digit points, including five guards. However, Saint Louis’ offense has found its rhythm with senior center Robbie Avila, averaging 91.5 points per game and holding the highest point differential in the country at +24.6.

Along with Avila, sophomore guard Trey Green has given the Billikens an offense that can efficiently answer from all three levels. Sophomore transfers Ishan Sharma and Brady Dunlap have added incredible spacing off the bench as well.

2. Miami (OH) (21-0) - 1st in MAC

Similar to Saint Louis, the Redhawks have six different players averaging double-digit points while shooting 40.9% from beyond the arc as a team. Their high-volume efficiency explains their 94.1 points per game, which ranks first in the country.

Sophomore guard Brant Byers has broken out as their leading scorer. Meanwhile, senior guard Peter Suder has progressed into an all-around playmaker for Miami after transferring from Bellarmine before last season.

Leading the nation in team efficiency at 53.7%, they’ve proved to be lethal and reliable in late-game moments, and it’s a pivotal reason their unbeaten start remains intact.

3. Santa Clara (18-5) - 2nd in WCC

The Broncos have been incredibly competitive throughout the season so far. Led by sophomore guard Christian Hammond’s 17 points per game, Santa Clara ranks second in the WCC in points per game.

Alongside Hammond, senior forward Elijah Mahi and freshman forward Allen Graves have given the Broncos enough offensive versatility to pose threats at all three levels while developing as perimeter defensive disruptors.

4. Saint Mary’s (19-3) - 3rd in WCC

Another WCC team that’s been consistent over the years has been the Gaels. They remain in the conversation led by the conference’s best defense, allowing just 64.5 points per game.

On the other side, Saint Mary’s offense has taken a massive step forward compared to years past, led by junior forward Paulius Murauskas’ 19.3 points per game, along with the sophomore jumps from guards Joshua Dent and Mikey Lewis.

5. Utah State (17-3) - 2nd in Mountain West

The Aggies have taken the Mountain West by storm with their electric shotmaking and efficiency. As a team, they rank first in points per game, field goal percentage and point differential at +16.2.

The conference’s best scorer in senior guard MJ Collins Jr. and the conference’s most disruptive defender in junior guard Mason Falslev have created an unmatched duo, allowing Utah State to remain a constant power in the conference.

6. San Diego State (15-5) - 1st in Mountain West

The Aztecs are never out of the conversation when it comes to competing in March. Junior guards BJ Davis and Miles Byrd have been valuable veteran contributors, leading the offense to transcendent offensive numbers for San Diego State’s standards.

Sophomore center Magoon Gwath gives the Aztecs the most physically gifted big man in the conference. His ability to space the floor and protect the rim has translated to the team’s 4.4 blocks per game, which leads the Mountain West.

7. New Mexico (17-4) - 3rd in Mountain West

The Lobos have become the best defensive team in the conference, allowing 67.5 points per game, a major improvement over a season ago. Entering the season, New Mexico brought in several new faces expected to take the reins.

Their offense hasn’t diminished, though, averaging 81.1 points per game with a freshman trio of guards Jake Hall and Uriah Tenette alongside forward Tomislav Buljan leading the charge. Hall’s three-level scoring next to Buljan’s glass cleaning makes for exciting chemistry down the line.

8. Liberty (17-3) - 1st in CUSA

The Flames are flaming hot as of late in conference play, winning nine straight games to begin conference action. Liberty has been the most efficient CUSA, shooting 52.1%, and with five players averaging 10-plus points, they’ve cruised to +12.2 in point differential.

Averaging 10.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists, senior forward Zach Cleveland has dominated with his point forward ability, and it’s allowed for long-range dominance from Liberty’s guards in sophomore Brett Decker Jr. and seniors Kaden Metheny, Collin Porter and JJ Harper.

9. George Mason (19-2) - 2nd in A-10

The Patriots have been ultra-competitive in the A-10 to begin the season for the first time in Tony Skinn’s tenure. Led by junior guard Kory Mincy, this roster has crafted ways to win similar to the 2006 Final Four team he represents.

Along with Mincy, George Mason brought in a special transfer class that has translated to success on the court. Junior forward Riley Allenspach and senior guard Jahari Long have been key additions to shape a stellar defense in the conference.

10. Yale (15-3) - 1st in Ivy

After a March Madness appearance last year, the Bulldogs have only improved offensively. Led by veteran playmaker Nick Townsend, Yale has increased its scoring output and point differential.

The elevated impact of players like sophomore forwards Riley Fox and Isaac Celiscar has been necessary. Not to mention, the junior year leap needed from guard Trevor Mullin, who has had to fill the losses of graduates John Poulakidas and Bez Mbeng.

There are many other mid-majors that have shone and spotlighted their conference throughout the season so far. Belmont is standing alone at the top of the MVC, while Akron has become a constant threat in the MAC. However, there’s a level of play these listed teams have reached that hasn’t been replicated by the rest.

Owen Daszko is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email him at opd5073@psu.edu.