6. Villanova Wildcats – Nova is quietly on a six-game winning streak, which includes wins over Xavier and Butler.
This team is fun to watch because they get up and down the floor in a hurry and they’re capable of scoring in bunches.
7. Xavier Muskateers – When your only loss is to Villanova, it’s expected for you to be very high in the rankings, especially this year when there’s not too many good teams.
Considering their fairly light schedule, I don’t see why Xavier won’t be in contention for a one or two seed come selection Sunday.
8. Miami Hurricanes – Steady is the perfect word to describe this Hurricanes bunch.
The Canes only have one loss on their resume, which seems like forever ago now. This team will be a sexy final four pick.
9. Duke Blue Devils – Don’t look now, but the Blue Devils are really starting to come together.
Talent will never be an issue in Durham, however, considering all of the turnover from a season ago, it was expected for it to take some time.
The scary thing is Duke is still without Amile Jefferson, who is the heart and soul of this young team.
10. SMU Mustangs – Along with South Carolina, SMU is the only other undefeated team in America.
It’s just a shame they won’t be able to compete in postseason play this year.
Teams on the outside looking in: (11) Iowa Hawkeyes, (12) West Virginia Mountaineers, (13) Texas A&M Aggies, (14) Iowa State Cyclones, (15) South Carolina Gamecocks, (16) Virginia Cavaliers, (17) Arizona Wildcats, (18) Providence Friars, (19) Pittsburgh Panthers, (20) USC Trojans.