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

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels is seen during the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels is seen during the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 08: Head coach Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders talks. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 08: Head coach Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders talks. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Record: 15-1 (4-0 Big 12)

Last Week: No. 9

Texas Tech is in the midst of potentially posting a historically great defensive season. Not only is the Red Raiders’ adjusted defensive efficiency rated as the best in the nation but their current mark (82.8) would be the best in the KenPom era…and by a significant margin (next best AdjD – 84.2 by 2009 Memphis). Head coach Chris Beard clearly has his team playing at a ridiculously high level on the defensive end of the floor and they can shut down just about any team that gets in their way.

With all of this said, though, Texas Tech’s adjusted offensive efficiency mark barely ranks within the nation’s top-100 (92nd) and they rely on superstar sophomore Jarrett Culver to make things happen on that end of the floor. And while he is certainly great, he will need a bit more help in order for the Red Raiders to survive games in which opponents simply get hot. After all, good offense beats good defense, for the most part.

Looking ahead, Texas Tech has a legitimate shot to win the Big 12 this season. Their defense is strong enough to shut down anyone and that facet of the game is something that typically travels away from home quite well.

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