NCAA Basketball: Big 12 causing big changes to top 25
Feb 4, 2017; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few talks with a referee during a game against the Santa Clara Broncos during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 90-55. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
It’s very rare that one conference is to blame for top 25 shakeups, but that proved false when the Big 12 created huge NCAA basketball upsets this past weekend.
Last week saw over half of the AP top 10 lose. That sort of parity is great for fans, but terrible for projections like our top 25. The Big 12 was the biggest offender with the conference’s top three teams dropping home games to unranked opponents. That shows just how strong the conference really is this year.
The biggest thing to note entering the middle of February is that conference races are starting to widen. The Big 12, Big East and Big Ten leaders all have leads of at least 1.5 games. The closest and most surprising race right now is the SEC, where Kentucky, Florida and South Carolina are all tied at 9-2. That would definitely be major news if someone could take the title away from the Wildcats.
Sadly, every mid-major I highlighted in our last top 25 lost; Illinois State, Akron, and Middle Tennessee State all fell, but each still lead their respective conferences. We have just over three weeks of the regular season left and many more classic matchups are coming.
Jan 11, 2017; Wichita, KS, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Markis McDuffie (32) runs down a loose ball against the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers during the second half at Charles Koch Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Just Missed
VCU Rams – VCU is a half-game back of Dayton for the A-10 title, but do hold the tiebreak with the Flyers if they can stay tough in their final eight games. The stretch starts tonight when the team visits George Washington.
Maryland Terrapins – Maryland took a bad loss at Penn State after falling at home to Purdue on Saturday. The Terps will try and rebound when Ohio State comes to College Park Saturday.
Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders – MTSU suffered an upset at UTEP, but still lead C-USA by two games going into a home date against Old Dominion.
Wichita State Shockers – It wasn’t that Wichita beat MVC leader Illinois State, it was that they crushed the Redbirds by 40+ points in Wichita. The Shockers are still a half-game back of the conference lead going into a game with Missouri State.
Iowa State Cyclones – Iowa State has been a roller coaster — they beat Kansas in Lawrence before losing at Texas. The fifth-place Cyclones get a great opportunity when last-place Oklahoma comes to Ames on Saturday.
Jan 21, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward V.J. Beachem (3) stands with fans and teammates for the Notre Dame Alma Mater after Notre Dame defeated the Syracuse Orange 84-66 at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
25. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Previous Ranking: 21
Record: 18-7 (7-5 ACC)
Notre Dame was fading fast until they got past Wake Forest on Tuesday evening. They had lost four straight prior to their victory over the Demon Deacons. The Irish get Florida State at home with a prime chance to move up the national rankings.
Bonzie Colson exploded for 27 points over the Demon Deacons. That was his highest scoring output since 20 points in late January. V.J. Beachem, Matt Farrell, and Steve Vasturia also scored over 10 points in the seven-point win. Notre Dame is in a strange spot right now but is probably a solid tournament team barring some bad losses down the stretch.
Feb 4, 2017; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) drives around Georgia Bulldogs forward Yante Maten (1) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
24. South Carolina Gamecocks
Previous Ranking: 24
Record: 19-5 (9-2 SEC)
South Carolina is in a three-way tie for first place in the SEC after losing a four-overtime thriller against Alabama. The Gamecocks will hit the road and visit Mississippi State on Saturday.
Sindarius Thornwell did everything possible to get his team over the top against the Crimson Tide. He scored 44 points and nearly won the game by himself. The only other player in double-digits was P.J. Dozier at 21. South Carolina is an odd team, but strong guard play has them in the mix for a Sweet 16 run.
Feb 4, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Andrew White III (3) talks with teammate John Gillon (4) against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at the Carrier Dome. The Orange won 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
23. Syracuse Orange
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Record: 16-9 (8-4 ACC)
The Orange have stormed into the top 25 after beating both Florida State and Virginia in consecutive weeks. Syracuse is surging right now and look to take on Pittsburgh on the road for their next contest.
Andrew White has been hot lately having scored over 20 points every night during the winning streak. He remains the team’s leading scorer at 17.6 per night. Other players have been less consistent, but John Gillon, Tyler Lydon, and Taurean Thompson have all shown bursts in recent contests. Jim Boeheim’s team is rounding into classic form at the right time.
Jan 21, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Shake Milton (1) is guarded by Houston Cougars guard Galen Robinson Jr. (25) in the second half at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
22. SMU Mustangs
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Record: 20-4 (10-1 American)
Tim Jankovich should be a candidate for Coach of the Year with how he’s held SMU together after Larry Brown’s departure. The Mustangs recently held off Tulsa on the road to remain solidly alone as the American’s second-best team. Temple on the road looms Thursday.
Sterling Brown lived up to his name against the Golden Hurricane. Brown had 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting in the team’s 76-53 win. Fellow starters Shake Milton and Semi Ojeleye had 19 and 16, respectively. SMU is looking like a solid team come tournament time.
Dec 3, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Marcus Foster (0) signals against the Akron Zips at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
21. Creighton Bluejays
Previous Ranking: 15
Record: 20-4 (7-4 Big East)
Creighton is still in a weird spot with just about a month left until the Big East Tournament. They beat Butler on the road but dropped a home contest to Xavier. The Bluejays have a winnable road game at DePaul next.
The usual trio of Marcus Foster, Justin Patton and Khyri Thomas are doing their best to keep Creighton in the mix. Those three are doing fine, but need more consistent help from forward Cole Huff and the bench if they don’t want to drop into NIT range.
Jan 25, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; Butler Bulldogs forward Kelan Martin (30) dribbles up out as Seton Hall Pirates forward Angel Delgado (31) trails during the first half at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
20. Butler Bulldogs
Previous Ranking: 16
Record: 19-5 (8-4 Big East)
Butler rebounded against Marquette to keep from losing three straight. The Bulldogs have been inconsistent the past week or so and need to stay tough when they visit Providence.
Kelan Martin is doing his best to keep his team in games. The junior scored 22 points against Georgetown but followed that up with just 11 against Creighton. None of his supporters are overly dynamic, but either Andrew Chrabascz or Kamar Baldwin has to step up just a little more consistently to keep the team in the Big East race.
Jan 28, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) celebrates with guard Grayson Allen (3) after hitting the go ahead three point shot in the final 7 seconds against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
19. Duke Blue Devils
Previous Ranking: 19
Record: 18-5 (6-4 ACC)
Duke remains solidly in place in the top 25 after beating Notre Dame and Pittsburgh last week. They are playing better at the right time going into the first Tobacco Road Showdown with North Carolina this Thursday.
Coach K returned to the sidelines against the Panthers and got a big night from Grayson Allen as a result. The controversial guard had 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in the win. Amile Jefferson followed with 15 and nine. If the team can take out UNC, it puts them in great position for their final seven regular season contests.
Feb 4, 2017; College Park, MD, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) defended by Maryland Terrapins center Damonte Dodd (35) at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
18. Purdue Boilermakers
Previous Ranking: 25
Record: 19-5 (8-3 Big Ten)
Purdue climbed up a couple spots in the Big Ten after beating Northwestern at home and beating Maryland in a thrilling road win. The Boilermakers seek to remain hot at the Indiana Hoosiers.
Caleb Swanigan is easily the top forward in America after putting up 26 and 10 against the Terrapins, but he had help from both Carsen Edwards and Dakota Mathias. Purdue’s schedule is very favorable down the stretch as they are looking to grab a high seed in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament.
Jan 19, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; St. Mary’s Gaels center Jock Landale (34) high fives guard Emmett Naar (3) after being called for a foul against the Pacific Tigers during the first half at McKeon Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
17. Saint Mary’s Gaels
Previous Ranking: 18
Record: 21-2 (11-1 WCC)
Saint Mary’s might be behind Gonzaga in the WCC race, but the Gaels have no real competition behind them after beating Pacific and strangling San Diego. Struggling Portland is next up on Thursday as SMC goes for its seventh straight win.
Jock Landale had 22 and 12 in the Gaels’ close road win at Pacific. The Australian center has been excellent throughout the year and shows no signs of slowing down now. Saint Mary’s remains balanced and efficient as they look to crack the NCAA ranks this year.
Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Canyon Barry (24) reacts after he made a three pointer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 88-66. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
16. Florida Gators
Previous Ranking: 22
Record: 19-5 (9-2 SEC)
Florida has the tiebreaker over Kentucky for second place in the SEC after their big win over UK. The Gators then beat Georgia on the road, but can’t lose focus when Texas A&M comes to Gainesville this weekend.
Kasey Hill starred against the Wildcats with 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists. He also helped keep freshman phenom Malik Monk in check throughout the evening. Other notable Gators in the game were Devin Robinson (16 points, nine rebounds), KeVaughn Allen (12 points) and Canyon Barry (14 off the bench). I can’t wait to see what Florida can do in March with their recent hot play.
Feb 5, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guards Xavier Rathan-Mayes (22), Dwayne Bacon (4) and Terance Mann (14) celebrate during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
15. Florida State Seminoles
Previous Ranking: 17
Record: 20-4 (8-3 ACC)
Florida State scored two straight wins last week over Miami and Clemson to stay in the ACC race. The Seminoles will next play NC State at home on Thursday.
Dwayne Bacon was excellent against the Tigers with 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting. That was after he scored 15 on the road against Miami. Other important performances came from Jonathan Isaac (15 and seven over Miami) and Xavier Rathan-Mayes (13 and four assists, also over Miami).
Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) looks down as he exits the court after he lost to the Florida Gators at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 88-66. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
14. Kentucky Wildcats
Previous Ranking: 7
Record: 19-5 (9-2 SEC)
Kentucky takes another tumble in our top 25 after getting hammered at Florida by 20. That makes three losses in four games dating back to the shocking upset at Tennessee two weeks ago. Thankfully, Calipari and company got a horrible LSU squad to rebound.
Almost nobody was impressive against the Gators last week. De’Aaron Fox had 19 off the bench after a one-game absence, but Malik Monk was the only other Wildcat in double digits with 11. Isaiah Briscoe had a rough game in particular with just six points on 3-of-10 shooting; that performance was a far cry from his 14-point per game average. Kentucky is still great, but three losses in four games is a weird trend entering the final stretch of the regular season.
Feb 4, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers forward Lamont West (15) shoots a three-point shot during the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
13. West Virginia Mountaineers
Previous Ranking: 11
Record: 18-5 (6-4 Big 12)
West Virginia was one of the Big 12 powers to fall this past weekend when they hosted Oklahoma State. The Mountaineers are now in a tie for third with ISU but do own the tiebreaker with the Cyclones. WVU seeks to get revenge on Oklahoma on Wednesday evening.
Lamont West was incredible off the WVU bench with 21 points. That was a career-high for the redshirt freshman. Tarik Phillip also played fine with 15 points and five assists. The most troubling thing about the OSU loss was how the Mountaineers guards let the opposing perimeter group score 51 points against their press. That is unacceptable for a Bob Huggins defense.
Feb 1, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats forward Kyle Washington (24) pulls down a rebound as Tulsa Golden Hurricane guard Sterling Taplin (4) defends during the second half at Donald Reynolds Center. Cincinnati won 57-55. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
12. Cincinnati Bearcats
Previous Ranking: 13
Record: 21-2 (10-0 American)
Cincy took down Tulsa on the road and UConn at home to stay unbeaten last week. They continue to crop up the top 25 rankings going into a showdown with UCF on Wednesday.
Kyle Washington dominated the team’s recent win over Connecticut. The NC State transfer scored 27 points and added eight rebounds in the 14-point win. Washington also went 3-of-5 from deep and that extra dimension has definitely helped this team reach its current ranking. Cincy is a deadly team with their defense and versatility.
January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) before playing against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
11. UCLA Bruins
Previous Ranking: 14
Record: 21-3 (8-3 Pac-12)
UCLA rebounded from two straight losses with consecutive wins at both Washington schools. The Bruins will try and score their first marquee win in conference play when they host Oregon on Thursday.
Lonzo Ball won the battle with fellow phenom Markelle Fultz. He out-dueled the Husky guard to the tune of 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting with six rebounds and five assists. He also got help from his talented supporters like T.J. Leaf (20 points, 10 boards) and Bryce Alford (21 points). UCLA is still bad defensively but is a lock for a decent seed in the Big Dance.
Feb 4, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats forward Dean Wade (32) drives into Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) at the Ferrell Center. Kansas State won 56-54. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
10. Baylor Bears
Previous Ranking: 2
Record: 20-3 (7-3 Big 12)
Baylor was the second Big 12 team to fall over the weekend when Kansas State invaded Waco. Baylor will try and rebound against suddenly-hot Oklahoma State.
Johnathan Motley continued his terrific campaign with 17 points and 14 boards against the Wildcats, but few others stepped up in support. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. scored just four points and Manu Lecomte went 3-of-10 from the field for nine points. Baylor needs to end their skid fast to remain in striking distance of Kansas.
Feb 6, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward V.J. King (0) shoots the ball over Virginia Cavaliers guard Devon Hall (0) in the first half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
9. Louisville Cardinals
Previous Ranking: 8
Record: 19-5 (7-4 ACC)
Louisville might have fallen at Virginia Monday, but the Cards are fifth in the ACC race going into a showdown with Miami.
V.J. King led the team in the Big Monday loss with 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting. That was a season-high total for the freshman. Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell also had 16, but the team definitely suffered with Quentin Snider on the sideline and two other players suspended. Keep an eye on Louisville down the stretch.
Jan 26, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) huddles with teammates during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 79-62. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
8. Arizona Wildcats
Previous Ranking: 3
Record: 21-3 (10-1 Pac-12)
Arizona is now in a tie for the Pac-12 title after getting blown out at Oregon last week. Wednesday night sees Stanford visit in a great opportunity to get back on track.
There wasn’t much good happening against the Ducks, but Rawle Alkins had 16 and both Dusan Ristic and Allonzo Trier had 12. They couldn’t stop Oregon, but Sean Miller and the Wildcats are still a threat for a deep run in March.
Feb 6, 2017; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) and Devonte’ Graham (4) go after a loose ball against Kansas State Wildcats guard Barry Brown (5) during a game at Fred Bramlage Coliseum. The Jayhawks won the game, 74-71. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
7. Kansas Jayhawks
Previous Ranking: 5
Record: 21-3 (9-2 Big 12)
Kansas bounced back from a stunning home loss to Iowa State with a close win over rival Kansas State. The team will try and remain atop the Big 12 standings when it travels to Texas Tech on Saturday.
There might not be a more important player than Frank Mason II this year. The senior guard scored 32 against the Cyclones and 21 over the Wildcats. He is, by far, one of the most consistent and dynamic threats every night, but might get fatigued averaging nearly 36 minutes a game this season. Off court issues still hang over the team, but Carlton Bragg Jr. came off of a suspension to contribute six points over KSU. Kansas is still the team to beat in the Big 12.
Feb 6, 2017; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard London Perrantes (32) shoots the ball over Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 71-55. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
6. Virginia Cavaliers
Previous Ranking: 12
Record: 18-5 (8-3)
Virginia has been up and down with wins over Virginia Tech and Louisville, but losses at Villanova and Syracuse. A road game at Virginia Tech is the team’s next opportunity to start a winning streak.
Star guard London Perrantes scored 18 to lead the team over the Cardinals and got help from Isaiah Wilkins’ 13 and Darius Thompson’s 10 off the bench. The Cavaliers aren’t overly impressive, but their style and efficient play have them in the mix for an ACC title.
Jan 26, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) and forward Kennedy Meeks (3) react near the end of the game. The Tar Heels defeated the Hokies 91-72 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
5. North Carolina Tar Heels
Previous Ranking: 9
Record: 21-4 (9-2 ACC)
UNC took down Pitt and Notre Dame last week to stay alone atop the ACC. The first game of the huge Tobacco Road Showdown comes Thursday when the team visits Duke in Durham.
Justin Jackson had 16 to lead the Tar Heels over the Irish. The other four starters and freshman Tony Bradley also scored in double-figures. I like North Carolina’s shot to run the table and get a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Feb 4, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) dunks the ball in the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
4. Oregon Ducks
Previous Ranking: 10
Record: 21-3 (10-1 Pac-12)
Oregon owns the tiebreaker with Arizona for the Pac-12 title right now after hammering the Wildcats in Eugene. Thursday is a huge test when the Ducks visit the high-powered UCLA Bruins.
Several players played great against Arizona, but Tyler Dorsey and Dillon Brooks stood out with 23 and 18 points, respectively. Overall, the team just couldn’t miss. The Ducks went 30-of-46 from the field and 16-of-25 from deep. I’m still picking Oregon to win it all at this point.
Feb 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) controls the ball against St. John’s Red Storm forward Kassoum Yakwe (14) during the second half at Wells Fargo. The Villanova Wildcats won 92-79. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
3. Villanova Wildcats
Previous Ranking: 6
Record: 23-2 (10-2 Big East)
Villanova held off Georgetown Tuesday evening and now have a two-game lead over Xavier and Butler in the Big East race. A date at Xavier is one of the team’s final tests left in the regular season.
Josh Hart dominated the Hoyas last night with 25 points on 8-of-18 shooting. He also went 4-of-9 from deep and collected seven rebounds. Miles Bridges had 11 and Donte DiVincenzo had 15 off the bench. Nova had weathered the Big East slate and largely looks ready to defend their national title.
Dec 3, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ (22) at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Oklahoma 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
2. Wisconsin Badgers
Previous Ranking: 4
Record: 20-3 (9-1 Big Ten)
Wisconsin has claimed sole ownership of the Big Ten lead after Maryland fell last night. The Badgers will try and avoid an upset when they visit Nebraska onThursday night.
Ethan Happ had 20 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in the team’s win over Indiana last week to lead the squad. Star Nigel Hayes had 15 and 10 rebounds and Bronson Koenig was third with 11. The Big Ten hasn’t been as strong this season, but that hasn’t stopped Wisconsin from looking like a quality tournament team going into mid-February.
Feb 4, 2017; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) puts up a shot against Santa Clara Broncos guard Matt Hauser (12) during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
1. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Previous Ranking: 1
Record: 24-0 (12-0 WCC)
Gonzaga likely has just one tough game remaining after beating BYU in Provo last week to stay undefeated. They also knocked out Santa Clara by 35 points. Consecutive road dates at Loyola Marymount and Saint Mary’s are pretty much all that remains between the team and an undefeated season.
Nigel Williams-Goss left no doubt that he is one of the nation’s best after scoring 33 points against BYU. He also had seven rebounds and four assists in the victory. Johnathan Williams had 12 and Josh Perkins chipped in with 11 for a team that should be the number one overall seed in March, barring something incredible.
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