NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Tennessee, MSU vie for top spot

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers and the rest of his team's bench react after a foul is called on Louisville Cardinals during the first half of the game during the NIT Season Tip-Off tournament at Barclays Center on November 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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AUBURN, ALABAMA – DECEMBER 22: Morant of the Racers goes up. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

25. Murray State Racers

Record: 15-2 (6-0 OVC)

Last Week: Not Ranked

I understand that Murray State has not played a daunting schedule but they are functioning at an extremely high level at this moment. The Racers have won seven consecutive games and hold an undefeated record in OVC play. They also have not played a single game within single-digits during their current winning streak, handling their business swiftly. More impressively, though, it is important to mention that Murray State has won their last four games all on the road.

Superstar guard Ja Morant is clearly one of the top players in the entire nation and his statistics are off the charts: 24.3 points (.544/.342/.806), 5.9 rebounds, 10.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He has practically been a walking highlight over the past few weeks and there is no reason to believe that he will not continue this high level of play. Morant is a sure-fire NBA lottery pick.

With that said, though, Murray State would not be in my top-25 without the play of the supporting cast. Leroy Buchanan (13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds) is a strong all-around backcourt option and Tevin Brown (12.4 points, 4.1 rebounds) is one of the most underrated shooters in the nation. Head coach Matt McMahon has this team looking a potential at-large squad.

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