NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Michigan, Texas Tech climb further
Several ranked teams took losses during this past week. How did these performances shake up the top-25+ NCAA basketball power rankings?
Another week is complete in NCAA basketball. With many teams in the middle of the rankings falling and top teams dominating opponents, there were many shifts in the top-25+ power rankings. And, as is tradition, the rankings are back heading into this week. For those of you that followed the power rankings during the opening month of the season, you already know how this goes. I will break down 10 of the teams on the fringe of the rankings that I am most intrigued by and then dive into analyzing each of the teams ranked in my top-25.
Due to an incredible week of action, the rankings shifted a ton in the last seven days. Not only are there some newcomers to the list but also some movement all the way at the top of the rankings. While some teams have been dominant in the early going this season, many others have been disappointing. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into my top-25+ power rankings.
(Rankings are based on results through Dec. 2, 2018. All statistics were found via Sports-Reference and KenPom.)
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Furman Paladins: One of the final undefeated teams left, Furman continues to belong either on this list or in the actual top-25. While it was a tad concerning that the Paladins needed double-OT to defeat Western Carolina during this past week, they still hold three true road wins over Loyola-Chicago, Villanova, and UNC-Asheville.
Marquette Golden Eagles: Early season losses to Indiana and Kansas dropped Marquette from the rankings but they have charged back with a vengeance. They are currently riding a three-game winning streak that includes victories over Louisville and Kansas State. Defense is improved.
St. John’s Red Storm: Another undefeated team, St. John’s deserves to be on this list even though they have not looked great yet. The Red Storm might not have lost a game yet but they also lack resume-building wins. As long as they keep winning, we cannot keep them out for long.
Iowa Hawkeyes: Did we overrate Iowa after their wins over Oregon and UConn? I think so. They are still 6-1 with a few quality wins and no bad losses but do they really have an “elite” win to push them into the rankings? I don’t think. Oregon has simply fallen that far this early.
Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue might not have a bad loss yet but they do have three losses. And for a team that was on the fringe of the top-25 to start the year, that just isn’t going to cut it. The Boilermakers have lost three of their last four and their best win is over Davidson. With three difficult games approaching, they could either drop out of consideration or rise back into the rankings in a hurry.
NC State Wolfpack: Despite dropping their first game of the season this past week to Wisconsin, NC State was the better team for a lot of that road matchup. The Wolfpack have impressed me to this point in the year even if they only have one reasonably strong win (over Vanderbilt).
Louisville Cardinals: After taking back-to-back neutral-site losses to Tennessee and Marquette, head coach Chris Mack and star player Jordan Nwora responded in a big way. The Cardinals took down Michigan State and Seton Hall during this past week and that is worthy of discussion.
Radford Highlanders: Why not? True road victories are rare this early in the season and Radford already has three of them over Notre Dame, William & Mary, and Texas. They might not be top-25 material but with four consecutive road games approaching, who knows?
Creighton Bluejays: Creighton joined my top-25 near the end of last week but dropped out following their home loss to Gonzaga. Obviously, that performance is nothing to be ashamed of and the Bluejays have still been a pleasant surprise to this point in the year. Ty-Shon Alexander is a flat-out stud.
Arkansas Razorbacks: After dropping their season-opener to Texas in overtime, Arkansas has won five consecutive games. And with one of these coming over Indiana, the Razorbacks also have a quality win on their resume. They have some work to do to crack the rankings but they are closer than I ever thought they would be this year.
Dropped out: Iowa (15), Oregon (17), Texas (19), and Purdue (21).