TOURNEY TIME: Some notable stats heading in the CAA tournament

History Of Close Finishes: A tight race for the CAA regular-season title has become a common occurance over the last decade. In seven of the past 10 seasons, there has been one game or less separating the top two teams in the standings. Currently, the top six teams in the CAA standings are separated by only three games. The last time a season ended with three games or fewer separating the top six squads was 1996-97.

Top Teams Playing Well: Several CAA teams are playing well with a week remaining until the CAA Tournament. Hofstra has won four in a row and seven of its last eight, Northeastern has captured 16 of its last 19,
Old Dominion has won 12 of its last 15, VCU has claimed 10 of its last 13 and William & Mary has won five of its last eight.

Four CAA Teams In RPI’s Top 70: The CAA has four teams ranked among the top 70 in the latest RPI released by Collegiate Basketball News through games of Feb. 21. Old Dominion leads the list of CAA teams at #41, while William & Mary is #48, VCU is #62 and Northeastern is #70. The CAA is ranked 12th among the nation’s 32 Division I conferences.

Dominant Defense: The CAA can make a case as one of the nation’s top conferences defensively. Through games of Feb. 21, three teams were among the top 50 in scoring defense – Old Dominion (56.3/3rd),
Northeastern (60.2/16th) and Georgia State (62.4/45th). In FG percentage defense, Hofstra (39.3%/24th), ODU (39.8%/36th) and Drexel (40.3%/46th) were among the top 50 nationally. Five CAA teams were also ranked among the top 45 in the nation in 3-point FG defense – Hofstra (28.6%/11th), UNC Wilmington (29.2%/15th), ODU (29.5%/15th), VCU (29.9%/28th) and GSU (31.1%/45th). A complete list of NCAA stat leaders in included in this release.

Four CAA Teams In Mid-Major Top 25 Poll: Four CAA teams are ranked in the Mid-Major Top 25 poll released on Feb. 22 by CollegeInsider.com. Old Dominion tops all CAA squads at #8, followed by Northeastern at #14,
William & Mary at #19 and VCU at #20. The CAA leads all conferences with four teams in the poll.