Busting Brackets
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
22 of 26
Next
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 08: Head coach Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 08: Head coach Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

5. Michigan State Spartans

Record: 15-2 (6-0 Big Ten)

Last Week: No. 5

Michigan State deserves to be ranked higher in this piece based on predictive metrics but their resume drops them a little bit further. With a top-10 ranking in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, this Spartans team has the potential to be the best in some time under head coach Tom Izzo. And a major reason for this is the play of Cassius Winston. Easily one of the best point guards in the entire nation, Winston does an incredible job as an offensive leader, scoring efficiently on his own and finding creative ways to get everyone involved.

Michigan State has won nine consecutive games in total and they currently hold an undefeated record in Big Ten play at 6-0. Looking ahead, though, the Spartans will play three of their four games on the road with their only home game coming against a strong opponent in Maryland. This is arguably the toughest stretch left on the schedule for MSU and they could make a strong case for the No. 1 overall spot on these rankings if they win the next four.

In order for this to occur, the Spartans need to stay hungry and continue to dominate on the offense end of the floor. In addition to shooting the three at a high rate, MSU distributes the ball better than anyone in the nation (assists on 69.2% of FGM – 1st nationally) and is an outstanding team on the offensive glass.

Home/NCAA Basketball News