With non-conference play winding down, we’re starting to see teams across the country form identities. Having said that, it’s still very early in the season, which means you’re going to continue to see upsets galore.
The huge shocker of the week was seeing North Carolina fall to Texas. How far did they drop?
UCLA beat another ranked team. Did they make the top 20?
I’ve answered those questions and much more.
1. Michigan State Spartans – We’re only in December, but there’s already been tons of movement throughout the country.
However, the Spartans have been the most steady team thus far.
After defeating Florida, 58-52, over the weekend, Sparty finds themselves sitting comfortably at number one for at least another week.
Opponents this week: @ Northeastern.
2. Oklahoma Sooners – If you’re not a believer yet, it’s not too late to jump on the Sooners bandwagon.
Before last week, many were questioning how good this team was because they didn’t have any signature wins, but after they dominated Villanova 78-55, folks are beginning to take notice.
Buddy Hield is averaging 22.1 points, 5 rebounds and 2 dimes per game.
Opponents this week: vs. Creighton.
3. Duke Blue Devils – Oddly enough, Duke didn’t play a single game last week.
With tons of practices under their belt, it’ll be interesting to see how the Blue Devils look this week.
Opponents this week: vs. Georgia Southern and vs. Utah.
4. Kansas Jayhawks – We know this team can score with anyone in the country, however, the main question is, can they stop opponents from scoring at will?
We seen what this team is capable of defensively in the second half against Oregon State this past Saturday. After allowing 39 first half points, the Jayhawks buckled down and held the Beavers to only 28 in the second half.
If Kansas is able to play that kind of defense, this team will become scary good.
Opponents this week: vs. Montana.
5. Maryland Terrapins – Following their heartbreaking loss to North Carolina, the Terps were in need of a big time win to get their mojo back.
Beating UCONN 76-66 is exactly what the doctor ordered.
This team is still figuring out how to play together and once they finally do, there’s no question they’ll be in the discussion for a number one seed come March.
Opponents this week: vs. Princeton.
6. Iowa State Cyclones – Before last week, the Cyclones haven’t been truly tested all season.
In their annual game against in-state rival, Iowa, it appeared that Iowa State was on the verge of being upset after trailing by as many as 20 points.
Nonetheless, behind Monte Morris and Jameel McKay, the Cyclones were able to rally back and win 83-82.
Defense is still an issue in Ames, but for now, they’ll be enjoying their undefeated record.
Opponents this week: vs. Northern Iowa.
7. Purdue Boilermakers – Sure, they haven’t played any ranked teams yet, but with solid wins over Florida and Pittsburgh, we’ve seen enough to say this team will be a force to be reckoned with.
With Big 10 play right around the corner, Purdue will have ample opportunity to prove themselves against top competition.
Opponents this week: vs. Butler.
8. Xavier Muskateers – You won’t find too many teams that have six players averaging double figures like Xavier does.
The Muskateers are undefeated with wins over Michigan, Alabama, USC, Dayton and Cincinnati.
With such a balanced attack, watch out for them come March.
Opponents this week: vs. Auburn.
9. Kentucky Wildcats – John Calipari’s team is still searching for their identity.
When the Wildcats dominated Duke earlier in the season, it appeared they would roll, but that’s been far from the case. Even in their wins, they’ve looked less than stellar.
At the end of the day, this team is way too talented to not figure it out.
Opponents this week: vs. Ohio State.
10. Virginia Cavaliers – Their early season loss to George Washington is nothing more than a distant memory at this point.
In a big time matchup with West Virginia last week, the Cavaliers imposed their will to the tune of a 70-54 victory.
With this team, you know exactly what you’re getting. They are going to play physical defense and by doing so, they’ll be in mostly every game. The question is, can they score enough to beat the upper echelon teams?
Opponents this week: vs. Villanova.
Teams on the outside looking in: (11) Arizona Wildcats, (12) North Carolina Tar Heels, (13) Villanova Wildcats, (14) Miami Hurricanes, (15) Providence Friars, (16) Butler Bulldogs, (17) Baylor Bears, (18) SMU Mustangs, (19) West Virginia Mountaineers, (20) UCLA Bruins.
