What’s new? This week 9 AP Top-10 teams faced losses in what was another surprising week in college basketball. 6 of the Power 16 teams from a week ago lost and the parity in the NCAA was just further reassured.
Duke lost to the worst team in a conference, Big 12 powerhouse Kansas lost, Arizona lost on a buzzer beater and Florida lost twice… again. College basketball has been hard to project this year and each week I see teams I believe in make me look stupid.
Rank (Last week’s rank) | Record | Comment |
1. Virginia (1) | 22-1 | Coming off of the big win at Cameron Indoor, Virginia showed no signs of slowing down. The nation’s top defense has yet to let up 70 points in a game and constantly keeps opponents below 50 points. Virginia could very well end the season with just the one loss as they don’t play another ranked team. The Cavaliers will, in all likelihood, be a #1 seed in March Madness and have a very good chance to bring home the title. |
2. Villanova (2) | 22-1 | Villanova continues to dominate the Big East with a pair on 20+ point victories over Creighton and Seton Hall. The Wildcats have continued to prove there are possibly the most polished team in the nation. They play hard on both ends of the court and make very few mistakes. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson continue to lead this dangerous team that is up there with the best of them. |
3. Purdue (3) | 23-2 | Coasting on a 19-game win streak Purdue is as hot as any team in the nation. Purdue finds ways to win despite having different game plans quite often. Purdue has a perfect amount of depth and playmakers to be a top contender in post season play. Purdue isn’t the flashiest team in the league but they aren’t amongst the best. |
4. Michigan St. (5) | 22-3 | Despite some questions on whether or not Michigan State was as good as advertised at the seasons beginning, the Spartans have slowly been becoming better in every aspect of the game. Miles Bridges has solidified himself as an elite talent and has been leading his team to success despite some other players inconsistencies. |
5. Xavier (7) | 21-3 | Xavier has been right behind Villanova all year long in the Big East. As far as I’m concerned Xavier and Nova are the only legitimate teams in the Big East and it’s not even close. Nonetheless, the Musketeers have been a top tier team led by the dynamic Trevon Bluiett. Xavier is always relevant and this year could be their year to make a push into the Final Four. |
6. Cincinnati (8) | 21-2 | Cincinnati has been far and away the best team in the AAC this year. Their only losses are to Florida when the were one of the hottest teams in the nation and to the always respectable Xavier. Despite not having a ranked win, the Bearcats have shown many reason to believe they are the real deal. Cincinnati could very well make a deep run. |
7. Duke (4) | 19-4 | Duke is coming off of a “disgusting” loss, in the words of Coach K. St. John’s, who is 0-11 in conference play, was able to take down the Blue Devils. Duke has been a stressful team to watch this year, some game the look like the best team in the nation, and other nights they look like they don’t belong in a major conference. Grayson Allen has had some awful shooting performances this year which has ultimately led to Duke’s inconsistent play. |
8. Auburn (10) | 21-2 | As the top team in the SEC, Auburn is really starting to gain some national attention. Auburn has had one of the more prolific offenses in the league and has shown the ability to win shootouts. They have a handful of impressive wins that could propel them to a #2 ranking in the NCAA Tournament. Look out for Auburn this year. |
9. Tennessee (11) | 17-5 | As one of the only teams to beat Purdue this year, Tennessee has proven they can hang with the best of them. Tennessee can grind out wins as well as just out score opponents. The Volunteers are right behind Auburn in the SEC and despite their inconsistent play, have shown reason to believe they can be a legit contender. |
10. Kansas (6) | 18-5 | Kansas suffered a loss to Oklahoma State this week which continued the Big 12 madness that’s been going on all year. Kansas still holds the #1 spot in the Big 12 as they are looking for a 14th consecutive regular season title. Devonte Graham has ben the leader Kansas expected and Sviatoslav Mykailiuk has been as good as a second option as there is in the country. The Jayhawks could still grab a #1 seed in the tournament and are always a serious threat to win it all. |
11. St. Mary’s (12) | 23-2 | St. Mary’s has one of the best record in the NCAA and have done so behind the skills of Jock Landale. The 6’11” senior is averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds in what has been an impressive season. St. Mary’s is potentially a title contender despite having a relatively weak schedule. |
12. Arizona (9) | 19-5 | Arizona suffered a crushing loss to Washington this week. It honestly was one of the most heartbreaking losses of the year. Deandre Ayton blocked a potential game-winning shot right to the three-point line where Washington was able to knock down a buzzer-beater for the win. Arizona is still an elite team with a variety of talent that no team will want to face in post season play. |
13. Texas Tech (NR) | 19-4 | The Red Raiders have bounced back from their back-to-back losses with four straight wins. They are right with Kansas atop the Big 12 and have a serious chance to dethrone the kings. Keenan Evans has made a case for all conference team with his dynamic skillset and performances. Texas Tech has been on-and-off lately but when they’re hot, they’re as dangerous as they come. |
14. Clemson (NR) | 19-4 | Clemson is one of the biggest surprises in the ACC this season. They are second in the conference and have recorded wins over team like Florida and North Carolina. Clemson has the ability to turn it on any game and give elite teams a run for their money. Clemson’s losses are to good teams and they may just becoming more than a football school. |
15. Rhode Island (NR) | 19-3 | Rhode Island continues to dominate the Atlantic 10. The will very likely finish conference play with a perfect record and could earn themselves a top seed in the NCAA tournament. URI wins and wins easily. A 14-game win streak is nothing to scoff at, but URI’s easy schedule could be the downfall of their impressive run. |
16.Gonzaga (NR) | 21-4 | Gonzaga finally claws themselves back into the Power 16 by winning 11 of their last 12 games. The Zags have seemed to piece themselves together after some early season struggles. Mark Few always gets his team on track when it matters most and this season is no different. Gonzaga is looking the best they have all season and with only a few weeks left in the regular season, the Zags are back in contention. |
First Five Out
Oklahoma, Ohio State, Wichita State, Kansas State, Michigan
