St. John’s still likely isn’t making the NCAA Tournament as an at-large, but the Red Storm are making things interesting. At the very least, they’ve provided some very entertaining basketball recently, with five wins in the past six games.
Plus, they’ve held on to top spot in the power rankings for the second straight week. And that’s what really counts.
(Last week’s rankings in parentheses)
1. St. John’s (1)
Record: 14-9, 4-6
Up next: Sunday (7 p.m.) vs. Creighton
Creighton will be the test. A win against the McDermotts may prove that something special is indeed occurring.
2. Iona (3)
Record: 13-8, 10-2
Up next: Friday (7 p.m.) at Niagara
The dreaded trip upstate – against Niagara and Canisius – could be the extinguisher of the Gaels’ five-game winning streak.
3. Manhattan (2)
Record: 15-6, 8-4
Up next: Friday (7 p.m.) at Canisius
The Jaspers certainly lost some rhythm when George Beamon was injured — breaking an eight-game winning streak — but fortunately the only games that matter come next month.
4. Seton Hall (4)
Record: 13-9, 4-5
Up next: Friday (7 p.m.) at Villanova
After an impressive road win at Xavier, 68-60, perhaps the Pirates’ selfishness on the court has been resolved.
5. Stony Brook (6)
Record: 17-7, 9-1
Up next: Saturday (2 p.m.) vs. New Hampshire
It’s going to come down to Stony Brook and Vermont for the American East title once again, with both teams three games ahead of the next closest competition. If only Tommy Brenton could’ve found another year of eligibility.
6. St. Francis Brooklyn (7)
Record: 15-9, 6-3
Up next: Saturday (2 p.m.) vs. Robert Morris
The Terriers have won three straight and could make a legitimate case as a title contender if they take down one-loss (in conference) Robert Morris on Saturday.
7. Columbia (5)
Record: 13-8, 2-2
Up next: Friday (7 p.m.) at Princeton
The cupcake portion of the schedule is over and the Lions faltered in their first Ivy League games against non-Cornell opponents, losing at Yale and Brown.
8. Army (8)
Record: 12-10, 8-3
Up next: Saturday (4 p.m.) vs. Navy
Two straight wins keep the Black Knights in sole possession of third place in the Patriot League and only two games out of the top spot.
9. Wagner (9)
Record: 11-11, 5-4
Up next: Saturday (2 p.m.) at Sacred Heart
The Seahawks haven’t won consecutive games since a three-game streak was snapped on Jan. 16.
10. Rutgers (10)
Record: 9-14, 3-7
Up next: Saturday (4:30 p.m.) vs. Houston
After Rutgers’ 32-point loss to Memphis, the Post’s Power Poll in the paper may have to be cut to nine teams.
11. Fordham (11)
Record: 9-12, 2-6
Up next: Saturday (4 p.m.) at George Washington
Saturday’s 85-79 win over Rhode Island stopped the bleeding with a band-aid. It’s unlikely the Rams find a bandage anytime soon.
12. Fairleigh Dickinson (12)
Record: 8-15, 4-5
Up next: Saturday (11:30 a.m.) at Central Connecticut State
Three straight road games and three straight losses for the NEC’s feel-good story.
13. LIU Brooklyn (13)
Record: 7-15, 2-7
Up next: Saturday (2:30 p.m.) at Mount St. Mary’s
NEC Tournament watch: The three-time defending champions are currently tied for the eighth and final spot with Central Connecticut State.
14. St. Peter’s (14)
Record: 7-14, 3-9
Up next: Friday (7 p.m.) vs. Siena
All Monday’s postponed game with Manhattan did was delay the Peacocks’ fifth straight loss another day.
15. Hofstra (15)
Record: 7-17, 3-6
Up next: Saturday (7 p.m.) vs. UNC-Wilmington
Remember when the Pride were 3-1 in conference? Next season — a promising one — can’t come soon enough.
16. NJIT (16)
Record: 10-15
Up next: Wednesday (7 p.m.) at U-Maine Fort-Kent. Bring on the Bengals!
After a 110-46 win over Wheelock College, the Highlanders host Maine Fort-Kent. Bring on the Bengals!
17. Fairfield (17)
Record: 4-19, 1-11
Up next: Friday (7 p.m.) vs. Monmouth
The Stags have five straight losses and eight games left until the merciful end.