NCAA Basketball: Missouri, San Diego State rise in latest power rankings

If we’re just focusing on this season alone, the Clemson Tigers have the best defense in the ACC. In the past week, they limited Maryland to just 51 total points in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, before having the same massive impact against Alabama on Saturday. The Tigers won that game, 64-56, and held the potent Crimson Tide offense to just 30% shooting from the field and 3/22 from three-point range.

Clemson may not have a signature win as of yet but they do have four against power conference foes already. Their defense is top-notch and with a little more offensive production outside of leading scorer Aamir Simms, the Tigers could become a genuine threat in the ACC.

The Cavaliers had their game canceled this week against Michigan State, denying us a reunion of the Hauser brothers. That leaves their overtime victory over Kent State still the last thing on our minds about this team. With teams such as Louisville and Clemson climbing up the ladder, Virginia needs to have a big performance to get themselves back into the national conversation. They’ll have that opportunity this upcoming weekend with a matchup against Villanova.

The biggest surprise of the early part of the season, Missouri is now 5-0 with wins over both Oregon and Illinois. The victory over the Illini this weekend showcased the depth of the Tigers lineup, led by Mark and Dru Smith, as well as Xavier Pinson and Javon Pickett.

They may not have any First-Team All-SEC players but the experienced and balanced rotation has made them ready since Day 1 of the season. We’ve seen rosters filled with seniors have early success so far, with the Tigers being the most pleasant surprise of them all.