A Look Ahead to The NCAA & College Basketball Power Rankings
It’s February and the College Basketball world is beginning ramp up it’s focus on the NCAA , with those currently on the bubble looking to improve their standing. The Big Ten alone has been a serious fight, and could very easily send nine-to-ten teams to the big dance. The Big 12 has flexed its muscles with two teams currently ranked in the top 5 in our College Basketball Top 10 Power Rankings. Lets take a look at those teams –
1. Baylor Bears (20-1)
Baylor continues to top the table in the Big 12, and after narrowly surviving against Kansas State at the start the week, the Bears look like the Big 12’s best hope. A top seed for Baylor surely. Next Game: vs. Oklahoma State (Sat. 2/8).
2. Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-1)
The Bulldogs look set for yet another number one seed at the NCAA Tournament. They haven’t lost since their Championship Game against Michigan. Gonzaga remain a top contender. Next Game: vs. Loyola Marymount (Thurs. 2/6), vs. St. Mary’s (Sat. 2/8).
3. San Diego State Aztecs (23-0)
The only unbeaten team in the country and we feel the pressure might just be mounting for the Aztecs. Although at time of writing they are in a position to go into the NCAA Tournament unblemished. Next Game: @ Air Force (Sat. 2/8).
4. Kansas Jayhawks (19-3)
Devon Dotson has led the Jayhawks through a majority of their toughest games unblemished. Undoubtedly the 2nd best team from the Big 12. Next Game: @ TCU (Sat. 2/8).
5. Louisville Cardinals (19-3)
The Cardinals have rebounded since back-to-back losses against Kentucky and Florida State and have staked their claim on the ACC. They have finally gotten Jordan Nwora to start firing at the level they need to be in order to contend. Next Game: vs. Wake Forest (Wed. 2/5), vs. Virginia (Sat. 2/8).
6. Duke Blue Devils (18-3)
As long as Duke don’t run into any more full presses , the Blue Devils have a chance to pressure Louisville at the top of the ACC. They get their ultimate test this weekend, as they square-off with rivals North Carolina. Next Games: @ Boston College (Today), @ North Carolina (Sat. 2/8).
7. Dayton Flyers (20-2)
The Flyers with Obi Toppin have had a a really strong season to this point. They could finish unbeaten in the A-10 but must avoid an upset by Saint Louis this Saturday. Dayton haven’t lost at home and one of the biggest overachievers this season. Next Games: vs. Saint Louis (Sat. 2/8).
8. Florida State Seminoles (19-3)
Florida State’s season has become a little fractured with wins over Florida, Virginia, Purdue and Tennessee who are having ugly seasons. However the Seminoles win over Louisville remains intact as a top 10 win. They survived against North Carolina to start the week. Next Games: vs. Miami (Sat. 2/8).
9. Maryland Terrapins (17-4)
The Terrapins have quietly put themselves back into the Big Ten picture, sitting one game back of Michigan State and Illinois. Maryland gets a pair of chances to move ahead, with games against two other contenders this week. Next Games: vs. Rutgers (2/4), @ Illinois (Fri. 2/7).
10. Seton Hall Pirates (16-5)
The Pirates were poor on their floor by Xavier, which was their first loss since December 14th. The good news was the return of Sandro Mamukelashvilli to the line-up for Seton Hall. It only gets tougher with two road games this week. Next Games: @ Georgetown (Wed. 2/5), @ Villanova (Sat. 2/8).