NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Duke, Michigan vie for the top spot

RENO, NV - DECEMBER 15: Cody Martin #11 of the Nevada Wolf Pack and brother Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack talk to head coach Eric Musselman of the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Lawlor Events Center on December 15, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /

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DAYTON, OH – NOVEMBER 30: Weatherspoon #11 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs drives. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

18. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Record: 11-1 (0-0 SEC)

Last Week: No. 17

I was not extremely high on Mississippi State entering this season but I think that they have been undersold a bit so far this season. They are one of the few teams in the nation left with only one loss and they also have a fairly strong collection of wins. Head coach Ben Howland’s team has already secured victories over St. Mary’s, Dayton, Clemson, Cincinnati, Wofford, and Wright State. And while none of these jump out as signature wins, it is impressive that they have managed to roll through their schedule with their only loss coming at the hands of Arizona State.

Thanks to the experienced backcourt duo of Quinndary Weatherspoon and Lamar Peters, as well as some improving depth, this is a team with plenty of potential to compete near the top of the ultra-competitive SEC this season. Quite simply, the conference boasts four top-25 teams, all of whom could easily find their way into the top-10 at some point throughout the season. The conference as a whole might be a tad disappointing compared to its ridiculously high expectations but the top-tier, for the most part, has shown why they were ranked so highly in the preseason.

And while Mississippi State’s offense might be its biggest strength, it is important to mention how well their defense extends possessions. The Bulldogs do a great job closing out on opponents and shutting down dribble drives. This has led to opponents spending an incredible 18.3 seconds per possession trying to find a quality shot.

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