Joe Mihalich's team is worthy of a significant bump in the rankings.

For the first time in seven weeks, a team is making a dramatic move in the power rankings.

Niagara didn't erase all of its ills in what has been an extremely disappointing season with its blowout win Friday over Siena. But even given that shaky 8-8 league record and the no-show performances that have piled up, the Eagles have to be considered among the most dangerous teams in the league.

By doing what every other team had failed to do through 14 league games, the Eagles are moving on up. How far up? Check out the rankings to see.

1. Siena: Records: 22-5, 15-1; RPI: 35; Position: Same

An undefeated regular season would have been nice, but given the fact that the Saints had already wrapped up the regular season title before losing to Niagara, a win Saturday at Butler would be nicer.

2. Fairfield: Records: 18-8, 11-5; RPI: 100; Position: Same

Another impressive week for the Stags, who held off Rider in overtime and blasted an overmatched Manhattan team. That Fairfield finally won in Lawrenceville -- something they hadn't done in any of Ed Cooley's first three years -- helps demonstrate that this is a different, more dangerous team than in years past.

3. Niagara: Records: 15-13, 8-8; RPI 160; Position: Up 3

How is a .500 team ranked this high? Simple. Most teams could play their best and still not make it a one-possession game against Siena. The Eagles did far more than just make it close last Friday -- they blew Siena's doors off. None of this means Niagara is suddenly the same team that won 14 league games last year. It does mean, though, that they're one of thew few teams that could conceivably beat Siena next month.

4. Iona: Records: 19-8, 11-5; RPI: 96; Position: Down 1

As I wrote in last week's rankings post, Iona could lose all of its remaining games and still have far exceeded expectations this year. But with games at Fairfield and at Saint Peter's remaining on the schedule, what once looked like a great season could end as merely above average.

5. Rider: Records: 15-13, 8-8; RPI: 143: Position: Same

The Broncs are becoming a mainstay in the No. 5 spot -- a testament to how much they've improved over the last month but also to how much work they still have left to do. They're capable of beating almost anyone, but they remain vulnerable against lower-tier teams.

6. Saint Peter's: Records: 14-11. 9-6; Position: Down 2

Yes, I'm aware the Peacocks have a better league record than Niagara and Rider, and that they won both meetings against the Purple Eagles. But they're 1-2 in their last three games with the win coming at home by one point, and I wouldn't pick them to win a game right now against any of the teams listed above them.

7. Canisius: Records: 12-15, 7-9; RPI: 201; Position: Same

We'll find out a lot about the Griffs over their final two league games. They're both on the road -- at Loyola and Rider -- both they're both winnable. If they find a way to avoid the play-in round, it will be a sign that the program is headed in the right direction.

8. Loyola: Records: 12-13, 5-10; RPI: 181; Position: Same

Tomorrow's home game against Saint Peter's is a big one. Win that and the Hounds could be favored in their final two games, needing to win both for a shot at a top-six finish.

9. Manhattan: Records: 9-17, 4-12; RPI: 226; Position: Same

Give the Jaspers credit for upsetting Iona on the road. But getting blown out by a Fairfield team that, for all its strengths, doesn't often win by huge margins, was a setback.

10. Marist; Records: 1-25, 1-15; RPI: 334; Position: Same

For all its struggles, Marist actually managed to win a game in the MAAC tournament last year. At this point, it would be a miracle if the Red Foxes replicated that feat.