NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Duke takes top spot, LSU keeps rising

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 and RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils react following their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 16: Coach Davis of the Rebels is seen. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

After another fun week in NCAA basketball, our top-25+ power rankings are back with a shakeup in the top-5. Oh, and when will LSU’s rise stop?

Considering there is only one month left in the regular season, I don’t think these rankings really need much an introduction anymore. As always, this piece will take a look at five teams I am interested in talking about before diving into breaking down each of my current top-25 teams. Now, without any further ado…let’s dive in! (Note: All statistics used in this article were found via Sports-Reference or KenPom unless otherwise noted.)

Others to think about…

St. John’s Red Storm: Heading into this season, everyone knew that S. John’s had one of the most talented rosters in the Big East. And while this was not all that evident during the first few months of the season, the Red Storm have turned it on as of late. Ever since getting blown out by Duke on Feb. 2, SJU is playing at a different level. They have secured wins over Marquette, Villanova, and Butler since then with a disappointing home loss to Providence as well.

Maryland Terrapins: Maryland may have dropped a road matchup with Michigan over the weekend but the team still belongs near, if not in, most top-25 rankings. The Terps have played at a high level throughout this season and they have put together a very strong record in Big Ten play. This is a dangerous team that, regardless of ranking, no one will want to see. They are only getting better.

Cincinnati Bearcats: Cincinnati is 21-4 (10-2) in one of the better leagues in the country and that means something. Sure, I know that their strength of schedule is not tremendous but their play deserves to be commended. Head coach Mick Cronin once again has his team playing great basketball. Will that translate to a deep run in March?

Ole Miss Rebels: As winners of four straight, Ole Miss is rolling right now. The Rebels have arguably been the most surprising team in the nation so far this season and they have what it takes to win multiple games in a row. Head coach Kermit Davis should in the running for National Coach of the Year and they should finish near the top of the SEC.

Auburn Tigers: Auburn is one of the weirdest teams in the nation. The Tigers do not boast a tremendous record nor an awesome resume but quality metrics seem to think they belong in the national top-15. If they are able to string together some wins moving forward, then we will start to see them trend back towards the rankings.

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