The Mules (14-1) are one of only 13 teams in Division III with fewer than two losses, and one of only 10 allowing fewer than 50 points per game.

Teams Allowing Fewer Than 50 Points Per Game school average Norwich 46.0 Bowdoin 48.7 Wheaton (Ill.) 48.7 Villa Julie 49.1 Dickinson 49.2 Mount St. Mary 49.3 Claremont 49.6 Western New England 49.8 Southern Maine 49.8 MUHLENBERG 49.9

The list of zero- or one-loss teams includes such nationally prominent programs as Hope, Messiah, New York University, Scranton and Southern Maine. Of the other 12, all but Medaille received votes in last week’s D3hoops.com poll, and nine were ranked in the top 20.

Muhlenberg first appeared in the rankings this week (28th) and is the biggest surprise in the baker’s dozen. The other 12 teams all won at least 17 games last year, and nine won at least 20. The Mules were 11-14 in 2004-05.

Muhlenberg’s 14-1 start matches its best record after 15 games. Four years ago, the Mules won 14 of their first 15 en route to a school-record 21 wins. The team’s current 10-game winning streak is the longest in program history in the middle of a season.

The team’s turnaround in record has coincided with a change in style that stresses good defense. The Mules are allowing only 49.9 points per game – 46.9 in their 10-game winning streak.

The starting time for the Dickinson game has been changed from 7:30 to 7:00, although fans showing up at 7:30 probably won’t have missed many points. Dickinson also is allowing fewer than 50 points per game.