College Basketball: Week 2 mid-major power rankings for 2023-24

The Conference they are in:  CUSA

This season’s best victories came against: At Charlotte (71-59), Furman (88-74) at the Myrtle Beach Invitational, and Witchita State (83-66) at the Myrtle Beach Invitational

This season, there have been victories over a Power Five conference team: None

Notable Losses for this season: None

Overall Season Record for 2023–2024: 4-0

RPI Standing as of November 18: 1

KenPom Ranking as of November 18: 46

College Basketball Power Index Ranking as of November 18: 58

The Liberty Flames men’s basketball team is off to a strong start to the 2023-24 season, with a perfect 4-0 record. They are averaging 86.3 points per game, which is just outside the top 50 in the country, and they are shooting 47.7% from the field. They are also averaging 38.0 rebounds per game, which is approximately 187th in the country. The Flames are led by a balanced scoring attack, with four players averaging in double figures. Senior forward Kyle Rode is leading the team in scoring with 20.5 points per game, and he is also averaging four rebounds per game. Junior guard Brody Peebles is averaging 15.7 points per game, and he is also shooting 36.8% from three-point range. Junior guard Kaden Metheny is averaging 10.7 points and 2.7 assists per game, and senior forward Shiloh Robinson is averaging eight points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

The Flames have a tough schedule ahead of them, but they are well-positioned to make a run at the Conference USA championship. The Flames are currently undefeated in non-conference play, and they are one of the favorites to win the league.

Here are some of the key reasons for the Flames’ success this season:

Balanced scoring attack: The Flames have three players averaging in double figures, and they have six players averaging at least seven points per game. This balanced scoring attack has made it difficult for opposing teams to defend the Flames.
Strong rebounding: The Flames are averaging 38.0 rebounds per game, which is tied-187th in the country as of 11/17. This strong rebounding has given the Flames second-chance opportunities and has helped them to control the tempo of the game.
Efficient shooting: The Flames are shooting 47.7% from the field, which is 36th in the country as of 11/17. This efficient shooting has helped the Flames to score at a high rate.