NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Ole Miss climbs, North Carolina dips

10. Nevada Wolf Pack

Record: 16-1 (3-1 MWC)

Last Week: No. 13

Due to the fact that Nevada plays in a weaker conference than just about anyone else in the nation, it might be difficult for them to rise in the top-25+ rankings over the next couple of months. This is especially true because each loss by the Wolf Pack will likely result in a significant drop. That much was evident in last week’s rankings as Nevada tumbled to No. 13 following a loss to New Mexico but they returned to their usual winning ways this past week. First, they absolutely eviscerated San Jose State at home by 39 points and then took down Fresno State, who is arguably the second-best MWC team, on the road by 10.

Nevada’s resume is still quite weak due to the fact that they do not hold a single win over another likely at-large NCAA Tournament team at this point in time. With that said, though, their 16-1 record speaks for itself: this is a darn good basketball team. An elite offensive unit who rarely turns the ball over, Nevada makes opponents work defensively on each possession as they seek out the best possible shot. The Wolf Pack’s defense, though, is the biggest difference between last year and this year. For reference, Nevada ranked 108th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency a year ago (27th this year).

On the whole, Nevada’s position in these rankings is not likely to shift much over the rest of the year. Due to their lone loss and weak SOS, they will probably be kept out of the top-5 and they are too talented to lose enough games to fall out of the top-15.