By Dan Barrack
1. University of North Carolina Wilmington: 7-2 (2-0)After a 19-point loss to Colorado on Nov. 18, UNC Wilmington has reeled off four consecutive wins. The Seahawks’ last two victories have come within the CAA and boosted them into first place.
2. Northeastern University: 6-1 (2-0)Like UNC Wilmington, Northeastern is currently riding a two-game CAA win streak and remains undefeated within the conference. The Huskies have scored over 83 points in every game since the opening day 67-53 win over Brown.
3. Drexel University: 5-5 (2-0)Drexel was happy to see the CAA after a five game losing streak from Nov. 23 to Dec. 3. The losing streak was brutal, with the Dragons facing off against top-ranked Duke and then No. 16 UCLA in consecutive games.
4. Old Dominion University: 6-2 (1-1)Winners of seven out of its first 10 games, Old Dominion fell short in its second CAA game, losing to Drexel, 61-42. Three of the five starters for Old Dominion failed to score, leaving the bench to do most of the work.
5. Virginia Commonwealth University: 4-2 (1-1)With three players averaging at least 10 PPG, Virginia Commonwealth has gained some recent respect. After an average start, the Rams came up with big wins over the Pride and Richmond.
6. George Mason University: 5-3 (1-1)George Mason’s three game winning streak came to an end last Wednesday with a 54-53 loss to Old Dominion. The Monarchs’ Drew Williamson hit a buzzer-beating three-point shot to defeat George Mason.
7. Towson University: 3-4 (1-1)A 74-70 loss to American has dropped Towson below .500 for the season. Towson forward Lawrence Hamm has been impressive this season, recording 17.9 PPG and 8.6 rebounds per game (RPG).
8. Georgia State University: 2-4 (1-1)Georgia State lost the battle of Georgia, falling to the University of Georgia, 72-61. The loss extended the Panthers losing streak to three games and has dropped them to eighth place in the CAA. The Panthers face a brutal stretch, playing the next six games on the road.
9. College of William & Mary: 4-3 (0-2)Losses to UNC Wilmington and Towson have dropped William & Mary to the bottom bracket of the CAA. The Tribe’s 76-45 loss at Towson was a big hit to the team.
10. James Madison University: 2-4 (0-2)After starting the season at 2-1, James Madison has lost its last three games, including two loses in the conference. As rough a start as JMU has had, the Dukes only sit two games behind division leading UNC Wilmington.
11. University of Delaware: 2-6 (0-2) From 2-0 to 2-6, Delaware is riding a horrid six-game skid. Although the team is last in the CAA, Harding Nana has had a great season thus far. The 6-foot-8 senior is scoring 19.4 PPG along with 12.4 RPG. Both of those are among the leaders in the CAA.