Look out for the SEC. The convention posted a 14-2 file within the ACC/SEC problem and each of its losers are nonetheless ranked in our high 4 because of a well-rounded physique of labor. The highest contenders are beginning to take form and emerge whereas stars are doing the identical with extra consistency and time within the highlight.
Who is aware of what the subsequent few months will deliver, however as all the time, it’s trying like faculty hoops shall be as unpredictable and thrilling as ever this season. Right here’s our newest take a look at the highest 16 groups and gamers of the week:
1. Tennessee (8-0)
Solely eight unbeaten groups stay, and Tennessee is probably the most proficient of all of them. The Vols nonetheless haven’t performed a recreation nearer than 15 factors and it begins with their protection and depth. It’s why they’ve soared to the highest of the NET rankings and now our rankings as properly.
2. Auburn (8-1)
Though they misplaced in Cameron Indoor Stadium this week, the Tigers seemed spectacular, and the fan base is rallying round this particular group. It’s uncommon to listen to a visiting crowd as loud as Auburn’s was on Wednesday and it’s a giant motive why they don’t drop in our rankings.
3. Iowa State (7-1)
The Cyclones stored the momentum rolling from Maui with a giant top-five win over Marquette 81-70 on Wednesday. Keshon Gilbert continues to shine as one of many high guards within the nation for top-of-the-line groups.
4. Kentucky (8-1)
A loss to Clemson on Tuesday and a 16-point halftime deficit to Gonzaga on Saturday had Kentucky’s week off to a depressing begin. The Cats confirmed resiliency with an enormous comeback and extra time victory over the Zags to salvage their week and present they’re a real contender as soon as once more.
5. Kansas (7-2)
Dropping streaks, even of solely two video games, don’t come round fairly often for Invoice Self and the Jayhawks. Per week spent within the Midwest turned depressing as Kansas watched Creighton and Missouri storm their dwelling flooring, giving Kansas a lot to consider as the brand new yr approaches.
6. Duke (6-2)
I’d rely a win over No. 2 Auburn and a highway win to open convention play towards Louisville as a fairly good week for the Blue Devils. Their group protection is spectacular, and the brand new faces are beginning to get their footing, particularly Cooper Flagg who recorded a pair of 20-point double-doubles for the Dukies.
7. Marquette (9-1)
The Golden Eagles captured the battle for Wisconsin with an 88-74 win over the Badgers to bounce again from a loss to Iowa State earlier within the week. Marquette has confronted among the hardest competitors within the nation and have only one blemish on its file to point out for it.
8. Alabama (7-2)
The soccer group was left upset by an ACC group on Sunday, however Alabama basketball and a lot of the SEC received the higher of the coastal convention this week. The Crimson Tide dominated UNC in Chapel Hill and added one other high quality win to a formidable resume.
9. Gonzaga (7-2)
Each losses for Gonzaga have now are available in extra time after a nail-biting loss to Kentucky in Seattle on Saturday evening. The Zags are legit, and their closing nonconference problem will come this weekend with a matchup towards UConn at MSG.
10. Florida (9-0)
One other unbeaten resides within the SEC as Florida improved to 9-0 with a late surge towards Virginia. The Gators could possibly be one other main participant within the nation’s high convention at this price.
11. Oregon (9-1)
A final-second 3-pointer by Dylan Andrews handed the Geese their first lack of the season, however I feel Dana Altman would have taken a 9-1 file by means of 5 weeks should you provided it to him in October. His group has a simple slate to regroup earlier than the brand new yr and may nonetheless be on folks’s radars regardless of the loss.
12. Memphis (7-2)
A stunning loss to Arkansas State to cap off the week isn’t what Penny Hardaway and the Tigers had in thoughts. There’s no time to dwell on it as 4 high-major opponents are on the docket within the subsequent two weeks.
13. Michigan State (8-2)
Convention play started for the Spartans this week they usually went 2-0 with large wins over Minnesota and Nebraska. Tom Izzo’s group is rolling early within the season and appears like one of many high contenders within the Large Ten this season.
14. San Diego State (6-2)
The Aztecs challenged themselves in non-conference play and as one of many favorites within the Mountain West this season, the wins ought to carry on coming. They’ve been one of the underrated groups within the nation the final two seasons and shouldn’t be slept on once more this season.
15. Houston (5-3)
The Cougars have dropped all three of their true assessments this season, however the high quality of these losses makes them much more spectacular than their file. A blowout win over a stable Butler group is simply one other signal of that reality.
16. Purdue (8-2)
A loss in State Faculty was a nasty starting to the week however issues might’ve received rather a lot worse with Maryland pushing the Boilermakers to the brink on Sunday. Purdue escaped Mackey with the win and received into the Large Ten win column.
Subsequent 5: Oklahoma, Maryland, UConn, Texas, Michigan
Gamers of the Week:
Kam Jones, No. 5 Marquette Golden Eagles
Jones posted his second 30-point efficiency of the season in a win over No. 11 Wisconsin and raised his scoring common above 20 factors per recreation with the hassle. The senior guard is prospering in his new function because the star and his draft inventory is benefitting due to it.
Pop Isaacs, Creighton Blue Jays
A season-ending hip damage turned out to be devastating information for Isaacs, particularly after enjoying such an enormous function in Creighton knocking off No. 1 Kansas on Wednesday. The 6’2 junior led all scorers with 27 factors and buried six of his 9 3-point makes an attempt.
Eric Dixon, Villanova Wildcats
Dixon continues to be one of many few vibrant spots for Villanova and he’s beginning to assist the Wildcats flip issues round. They took down No. 14 Cincinnati due to his 31 factors and added one other win over Tempe on Saturday to make it three wins in a row. Maybe the tide is beginning to flip below Kyle Neptune due to the standout senior.
Nick Martinelli, Northwestern Wildcats
Junior Nick Martinelli is without doubt one of the most improved gamers within the nation, enhancing his scoring common from 8.8 factors to twenty.8 by means of 10 video games this season. None had been extra essential than the 27 he tallied in an extra time upset over No. 19 Illinois on Friday to get the Wildcats again on observe.
Walter Clayton, No. 13 Florida Gators
One of many newer entries to our 2025 mock (52nd general decide), Walter Clayton confirmed why with an enormous 27-point effort towards Virginia with 5 triples. The 6’4 senior is averaging over 18 factors this season on 48/37/91 splits and is without doubt one of the high shot makers amongst upperclassmen who might check the draft waters this summer time.
Play of the Week
Everybody loves a superb buzzer-beater. Iowa junior Josh Dix delivered top-of-the-line of the early season on Tuesday to interrupt Northwestern’s hearts in its Large Ten opener. Pictures don’t get any harder than this, however Dix was capable of drain it with none doubt because it ripped by means of the web. Take a look at the highest play of the week under!
Video Credit score: NBC Sports activities Youtube
