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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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VILLANOVA, PA – JANUARY 08: Paschall #4 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA – JANUARY 08: Paschall #4 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

22. Villanova Wildcats

Record: 13-4 (4-0 Big East)

Last Week: Not Ranked

Welcome back to the top-25, Villanova! One of the most consistent programs in the nation over the past several years, it felt wrong not having the ‘Cats in my rankings for the past several weeks. Yet, now that they stand at 13-4 after a grueling schedule and as the last remaining undefeated team in the Big East, it is reasonable to put the team back in the rankings. During this past week alone, Villanova secured two big-time wins over St. John’s (home) and Creighton (away).

Now winners of five consecutive games, four over KenPom top-100 teams, it seems as though Villanova is starting to turn the corner and become the team we thought they could be. Head coach Jay Wright has his team playing at a very high level right now and everyone in the rotation is finding different ways to contribute on each night. Most notably, though, seniors Phil Booth and Eric Paschall are coming into their own as the stars that this team needs.

As already mentioned, Villanova is the last remaining undefeated team in Big East play and it is fair to call them the favorite to win the league at this point in time. There are going to be plenty of contenders for the throne, most notably Marquette, but the ‘Cats will not relinquish their top spot easily.

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