I feel like I’m repeating myself every week at this point because the same crazy things keep happening, which makes one wonder if they should be considered ‘crazy’ at this point?
16 ranked teams fell this past week, so as you could imagine, there’s tons of turnover in my rankings this week.
1. Villanova Wildcats – In the midst of all the upsets the past couple of weeks, Villanova has managed to remain steady.
The Wildcats are (24-3) overall and (13-1) in Big East play.
Versus looking ahead, Jay Wright’s ball club took care of Temple and Butler this past week. However, folks may be gun shy having Nova going deep in their bracket due to their recent struggles in the big dance.
Opponents this week: @ Xavier and @ Marquette.
2. Kansas Jayhawks – Oh, how things have changed in the Big XII.
Just a couple of weeks ago, it looked as if KU’s streak of 11 straight conference titles was nearing an end.
Nonetheless, everything changed when Kansas went into Norman and defeated the Sooners 76-72.
After such a marquee victory, it would’ve been human nature for Kansas to let up against Oklahoma State and Kansas State, but Bill Self’s squad refused to get comfortable as they’ve rattled off seven straight wins.
Kansas now has a two-game lead over Oklahoma and West Virginia within the conference.
Opponents this week: @ Baylor and vs. Texas Tech.
3. Oklahoma Sooners – Yes, Buddy Hield and friends lost to Texas Tech 65-63 earlier in the week, but they recovered in a huge way over the weekend.
Led by Hield’s 29 points, Oklahoma found a way to knock off West Virginia in Morgantown 76-62.
Opponents this week: vs. Oklahoma State and @ Texas.
4. Arizona Wildcats – Arizona?
This ranking is probably more of a product of this college basketball season because with so many teams taking L’s, somebody has to shoot up.
Arizona is the beneficiary here.
The Wildcats have quietly won six straight games, including their 38-point beatdown over in-state rival Arizona State.
Sean Miller’s team is currently tied with Oregon for first place in Pac 12 play.
Opponents this week: @ Colorado and @ Utah.
5. Xavier Musketeers – Xavier arguably had the best week of any school.
After knocking off Providence and Georgetown, the Musketeers have put themselves in great position.
This was Xavier’s second win over Providence, while they got revenge from an earlier loss against Georgetown.
Opponents this week: vs. Villanova and @ Seton Hall.
