MEAC Men's Basketball Weekly Overview: Shockers Shake Up the Standings in Week 1
If Week 1 of MEAC conference play was any indication of what this year will be like, we are in for a treat. Just two games into the schedule, the league's perceived hierarchy got flipped on its head: the three highest-rated teams all dropped games, while two preseason bottom feeders notched upsets that vaulted them up the rankings. KenPom's adjusted efficiency metrics tell the story. Upsets, hot starts, and defensive surprises are already rewriting the narrative as teams jockey for position in a conference that's always known for its parity and drama.
Hawks Soar to the Top with Dominant Defensive Display
Leading the charge is Maryland Eastern Shore, who made a small leap from 342nd to 337th in KenPom after a convincing 17-point home victory over Morgan State. The Hawks now sit atop the conference ratings, boasting the league's stingiest defense while ranking third in offensive efficiency. It's a massive leap for a program that's been building quietly, and their balanced attack could make them a tough out for anyone. Next up: a marquee matchup this Saturday against Howard, where UMES will look to prove their number one perch isn't a fluke.
Bison Stumble, But Remain the Only Squad Above .500
Howard entered the week as the undisputed favorite, lording over the MEAC ranked 267th in KenPom and riding a wave of non-conference success. But a shocking road loss to South Carolina State sent them tumbling to 276th and fifth in conference standings. Though they're still the only team with a winning overall record, the Bison's defense held firm in spots, but offensive lapses proved costly.
With a trip to UMES on deck, Howard has a golden opportunity to rebound and reassert dominance, but they'll need to tighten up against the Hawks' elite defense. Bryce Harris has struggled over the last few games, totaling 11 points on 3/14 shooting. Their offensive success starts and ends with him, and he's shown the ability to get out of slumps in a hurry. This will be a spot they need his offense badly against one of the better defenses in the MEAC
Bulldogs Bite Back with First D-I Win of the Season
South Carolina State pulled off the upset of the week by toppling Howard, marking their first Division I victory of the campaign and improving to 1-0 in MEAC play. The win bumped them from 361st to 359th in KenPom, and they're now one of just two teams (alongside UMES) ranking in the top four for both offensive and defensive efficiency. For a squad that entered with zero D-I wins, this is a statement start, sp expect the Bulldogs to look and build momentum as they chase back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2009-2010.
Eagles End Skid, Claim Second in Ratings
North Carolina Central kept the chaos rolling with a home upset over Norfolk State, snapping a two-game losing streak and jumping from 352nd to 349th in KenPom. The Eagles now hold the number two spot in conference ratings, powered by the league's top-ranked offense. Though their defense sits seventh, there is ample room for them to build on this early hot start. This win injects life into a talented roster that's been inconsistent, and if they can shore up the defensive side of the ball, NCCU could contend for the top spot in the MEAC in a bounce back year for LeVelle Moton’s Eagles.
Road Warriors and Streak-Breakers: The Rest of the Pack
- Coppin State: The Eagles halted an eight-game skid with a gritty road win over Delaware State in their conference opener. Despite staying flat at 364th in KenPom, this victory could spark a turnaround for a team desperate for positives.
- Norfolk State: The Spartans are mired in a three-game losing streak, their third such slide this season after dropping to NCCU in the MEAC opener. They fell from 275th to 283rd in KenPom which is one of the more significant drops of any HBCU. They haven't played at home since November 25th, which could be the issue with inconsistency. Relief comes soon: one more road tilt this weekend, then back to Echols Hall on January 12th.
As the MEAC dust settles from these early shocks, one thing's clear: no lead is safe, and every game feels like a potential ranking-shaker. With Howard-UMES looming as a must-watch clash, keep an eye on how these upsets ripple through the standings. Parity is the MEAC's calling card, and this season looks primed to deliver more twists than ever.
SWAC Weekly Overview: Early Separation, Defensive Identity, and KenPom Movement
As SWAC play begins to take shape, the conference landscape is already revealing a familiar theme: balance is hard to find. Through the first stretch of league games, no team currently ranks inside the top five of the conference in both offensive and defensive efficiency, underscoring the parity and inconsistency that typically defines the SWAC. Still, progress is being made across the league, with seven teams either improving or holding steady in their KenPom ratings this week.
At the top, Grambling State continues to justify its status as the conference’s highest-rated team. The Tigers are off to a 2–0 start in SWAC play and are riding a three-game winning streak, powered by the best defensive efficiency mark in the conference. Grambling’s defense has consistently dictated tempo, and that identity helped them narrowly defeat Prairie View A&M. Their KenPom rating ticked up from 244th to 243rd, a modest improvement that nonetheless keeps them firmly in first place.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff has been the biggest mover, not just in the SWAC, but among all HBCU programs this week. The Golden Lions are also 2–0 in conference play and now rank second in the SWAC behind Grambling State after a massive jump in KenPom. That improvement reflects both results and competitiveness, as UAPB has played with confidence and physicality on both ends of the floor early in league action.
Despite being one of only two teams with a winning overall record, Alabama A&M experienced the steepest decline in KenPom ratings among SWAC teams. The Bulldogs went 1–1 to start conference play but dropped from 281st to 293rd, sliding to seventh in the SWAC ratings. While the results remain positive, efficiency metrics suggest there’s room for improvement as the schedule intensifies.
The middle of the conference is crowded and volatile. Southern sits at 1–1 in SWAC play but suffered one of the more notable drops, falling from 243rd to 257th in KenPom and sliding from first to fifth in conference ratings. Prairie View A&M, also 1–1, showed resilience with a road loss at Grambling followed by a win over Southern, boosting its rating from 299th to 285th, one of the stronger rebounds this week.
Alabama State opened conference play at 1–1 as well, slipping slightly from 287th to 289th. The Hornets had been ranked as high as 278th before a road loss at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, illustrating how quickly fortunes can shift in the SWAC on a weekly basis
Elsewhere, Bethune-Cookman edged Florida A&M in a close road contest, improving its KenPom rating slightly. Meanwhile, Jackson State snapped a six-game losing streak with a home conference win over Alcorn State, though the Tigers still fell slightly in KenPom, an example of how narrow margins and efficiency can outweigh wins in the metrics.
The bottom of the standings remains competitive despite recent struggles. Florida A&M has lost four straight games but has played only once in conference action, narrowly falling at Bethune-Cookman. The Rattlers haven’t played at home since December 17th, their last win, yet still improved their KenPom rating. Alcorn State, now on a five-game skid, also hasn’t played a home game but moved from 346th to 344th while shooting over 50 percent from three in a close loss at Jackson State.
Finally, Texas Southern has started 0–2 in SWAC play after back-to-back double-digit losses, dropping from 331st to 339th in KenPom as they search for rhythm on both ends.
As conference play unfolds, defensive identity, home-court opportunities, and consistency will continue to shape the SWAC race. While Grambling State has set the early standard, the narrow margins across the league suggest plenty of movement and drama are still to come.
Two HBCUs, Two Different Paths: Hampton and North Carolina A&T in the CAA
As Colonial Athletic Association play settles in, Hampton and North Carolina A&T represent HBCU’s in a top 15 conference in the country. Each team is currently navigating the conference life in very different ways, but both showing signs of growth that go beyond the standings.
North Carolina A&T: Competitive Despite the Setbacks
The Aggies opened CAA play 0–3, but the record doesn’t fully capture the progress the Aggies have made. Injuries have played a significant role, most notably the absence of Lo Walker, one of the team’s top players, who hasn’t appeared since December 9th. Even without Walker, A&T has remained surprisingly effective on the offensive end.
Through conference play, the Aggies rank top five in offensive efficiency in the CAA, a testament to their system and shot creation. The issue, however, has been closing games, something that shows up clearly on the defensive side of the ball. A&T sits 12th in defensive efficiency, struggling particularly on the perimeter, where they’re allowing over 42% shooting from three against conference opponents.
Those defensive lapses have led to tight losses, including a narrow defeat against Stony Brook that dropped the Aggies to 7–7 overall. Still, that mark represents their best start since the 2018 season, back when they were competing in the MEAC, and reflects incremental progress since joining the CAA.
Even analytically, there are small steps forward. A&T has improved its KenPom rating from 314th to 308th, modest on the surface but meaningful for a program still building depth and consistency at this level. The challenge ahead is steep, with five of their next eight games on the road, and KenPom projections offering little optimism for wins down the stretch. Still, the Aggies’ offensive foundation suggests this group is more competitive than projections might indicate.
Hampton: Winning with Defense and Grit
While A&T searches for traction, Hampton has already made noise in CAA play. The Pirates sit at 2–1 and came within striking distance of a road upset at UNC Wilmington, falling 49–45 in a game that embodied their identity.
Hampton’s success hasn’t come from offensive firepower. In fact, the Pirates rank 13th in offensive efficiency through three CAA games and are shooting just 16.7% from three, the worst mark in the conference. As a result, Hampton plays at one of the slowest tempos in the league, often grinding games into half-court battles.
What has carried them is defense. They rank third in defensive efficiency in conference play, excelling at defending the three-point line and forcing turnovers, two areas that directly fuel their offense. Many of their scoring opportunities come not from execution in the half court, but from disruption, transition, and extra possessions.
The Pirates’ defensive aggressiveness does come with a cost. They foul at a high rate, ranking 12th in free throw rate allowed, which could become an issue against the league’s more disciplined offensive teams. That challenge looms, as four of Hampton’s next seven games are on the road, many against the CAA’s top-tier programs.
Still, the overall trajectory is encouraging. Hampton has improved its KenPom rating by six spots, reinforcing the eye test that this group is more competitive, more connected, and more capable of grinding out results in a physical conference despite the offense being a concern early on.
Team of the Week: Arkansas Pine Bluff
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions are roaring into SWAC play, kicking off conference action with a superb week. Under head coach Solomon Bozeman, UAPB opened SWAC competition at home with back-to-back convincing victories. These wins extended the Golden Lions' winning streak to four games, all at Clemmons Arena. These wins improved their overall record to 5-10 but they remain tied atop the early SWAC standings at 2-0.
The Golden Lions' offense has been the story of the week, lighting up the scoreboard behind scorching 3-point shooting (52.6% in their first two SWAC games). During their four-game win streak, they are averaging an eye-popping 109.3 points per game with an average margin of victory of around 34.5 points. Five players currently average double figures, showcasing the team's balanced attack.
Leading the charge is Quion Williams, who averages 17.3 points per game and has been dominant lately with three double-doubles in his last four contests, including a triple-double earlier in the streak. His standout play earned him SWAC Newcomer of the Week honors. Meanwhile, Alex Mirhosseini made a massive impact, claiming SWAC Impact Player of the Week, giving UAPB two of the three weekly conference awards.
Statistically, the Golden Lions lead the SWAC in offensive efficiency by a wide margin. the next closest team trails by over five points per 100 possessions. They've also climbed in analytics rankings across the board, jumping over 20 spots in KenPom this week, the biggest improvement among all HBCUs.
Defensively, there's room for growth (currently 9th in SWAC defensive efficiency), particularly on the boards where opponents are getting second-chance opportunities which leads to easy baskets. However, it is not all bad on that end, UAPB has defended the perimeter well, limiting opponents outside shooting but will need to be better on the glass if they want to continue ascending
With their first road tests looming, five of the next seven games are on the road. The Golden Lions will look to carry this home dominance on the road and build on their hot start. For now, though, UAPB's explosive offense and conference-opening sweep make them a clear standout team this week among HBCU teams.
Players of the Week: Standout Performances Across the SWAC and MEAC
Several players have stepped up in a big way during the opening week of SWAC and MEAC action. From scorching shooting to dominant scoring outbursts and defensive anchors, these athletes are making their mark early in 2026. Here's a spotlight on four standout performers who earned weekly honors or delivered unforgettable performances.
Khouri Harvey – North Carolina Central
MEAC Defensive Player of the Week
North Carolina Central’s Khouri Harvey earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Week honors, but his influence has extended well beyond that end of the floor. Despite playing the third-most minutes on the team, Harvey leads the Eagles in both PER and usage rate, underscoring his efficiency and all-around value.
Harvey is coming off one of the most impressive performances of the week: a 24-point, 11-rebound, 2-block effort in an upset victory over Norfolk State. That marked his fourth double-double of the season, and he’s come within a single rebound or point of notching a double-double in three additional games.
Offensively, Harvey has been remarkably consistent, scoring double figures in six straight games and 13 of 16 overall. He’s also proven himself against top competition, posting double-digit scoring nights in four of five games versus power-conference opponents, all on the road.
Defensively, his presence is felt every night. Harvey averages 2.2 “STOCKS” (steals plus blocks) per game, anchoring NCCU’s defensive identity. Even without relying on the three-point shot, he’s made just three triples all season, Harvey continues to impact games through physicality, timing, and relentless effort on both ends of the floor.
Alex Mirhosseini – Arkansas–Pine Bluff
SWAC Impact Player of the Week
Arkansas–Pine Bluff guard Alex Mirhosseini continues to prove that impact isn’t always defined by a high usage rate. The 5’10” senior, a division II transfer from West Virginia Wesleyan, earned SWAC Impact Player of the Week honors after delivering an ultra-efficient scoring stretch while remaining fourth on the team in usage.
Mirhosseini averaged 18.5 points per game this week, shooting an impressive 48 percent from the field (12-of-25) and 50 percent from three-point range (8-of-16). His recent shooting surge has been exceptional. He’s now knocked down three or more threes in four straight games after accomplishing that feat just twice in the first 10 games of the season.
After averaging 17.5 points per game and shooting 41 percent from deep at the Division II level, Mirhosseini has translated his scoring touch seamlessly to the SWAC, providing UAPB with timely spacing, shot-making, and veteran steadiness in the backcourt. We’ll see if this can continue as he sky rockets up scouting reports in SWAC play.
Tai’Reon Joseph – Prairie View A&M
SWAC Player of the Week (3rd Straight)
Prairie View A&M’s Tai’Reon Joseph is in the midst of one of the most dominant scoring runs in HBCU basketball this season and the accolades are starting to stack up. Joseph claimed his third consecutive SWAC Player of the Week honor after erupting for 53 total points in Prairie View’s first two conference games, the second highest among all HBCU players during that span.
Over his last four games, all on the road, Joseph is averaging an eye-popping 28.3 points per game. He’s now recorded five straight 20+ point performances, including two 30-point outings, while also contributing on the defensive end with six steals across the opening two SWAC contests.
Perhaps most impressive is his consistency. Joseph has scored in double figures in every game this season and now owns ten 20-point games, tied for the most by any player across HBCU programs. Night after night, he’s been Prairie View’s offensive engine and one of the most reliable scorers in the country.
Michael Jacobs – Southern
SWAC Offensive Leader
Michael Jacobs continues to set the standard offensively for Southern and the SWAC. In the Jaguars’ 1–1 week, Jacobs poured in a HBCU-best 57 total points over the first two SWAC games, averaging 28.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per contest.
Efficiency has been the hallmark of Jacobs’ season. Over that stretch, he shot 15-of-29 from the field, 4-of-7 from three-point range, and 23-of-29 from the free-throw line. Defensively, he added to his résumé with at least two steals in eight of Southern’s thirteen games.
Jacobs leads the team by a wide margin in both PER and usage rate, averaging nine more points per game than the next closest Jaguar. He’s started and played in all 16 games this season, serving as the unquestioned centerpiece of Southern’s attack.
