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NCAA Basketball: Duke and Virginia move up in latest top-25 power rankings

By Tristan Freeman

AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 24: Andrew Jones #1 of the Texas Longhorns brings the ball up court against the West Virginia Mountaineers at The Frank Erwin Center on February 24, 2020 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 24: Andrew Jones #1 of the Texas Longhorns brings the ball up court against the West Virginia Mountaineers at The Frank Erwin Center on February 24, 2020 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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NCAA Basketball Creighton Bluejays Denzel Mahoney Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Creighton Bluejays Denzel Mahoney Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Creighton Bluejays (12-2, 6-1)

In what was supposed to be a marquee Big East matchup between Creighton and Seton Hall, the Bluejays dominated from start to finish, winning by 36 points. Damien Jefferson and Denzel Mahoney combined for 33 points to lead the way, even without shooting guard Mitchell Ballock playing much. They nearly scored 100 points in another blowout to St. John’s in a 97-79 beatdown.

Creighton has a bit of a break this week until this Saturday where they travel to play Butler. If their offense continues to look this good, then they should have no issue giving another beatdown to a Big East opponent.

7. Tennessee Volunteers (9-1, 3-1)

After losing to Alabama last weekend, the Vols were on track to make it two in a row, this time against the Arkansas Razorbacks. After trailing in the second half, sophomore Josiah Jordan-James and Victor Bailey Jr. led the comeback, each putting up 17 points for the 79-74 win. They were much more in control on Saturday on the road at Texas A&M, winning by 14 points.

The Vols look to remain near the top of the SEC standings, going on the road to face Vanderbilt, who has been a thorn in the side of several teams so far.

6. Wisconsin Badgers (10-2, 4-1)

The Big Ten continues to be difficult to play against from top to bottom, with the Badgers nearly finding out at home against Indiana. It was a back and forth fight until the Hoosiers had control of it multiple times in regulation and in each overtime. Credit to Wisconsin though for staying within reach and led by 21 points from D’Mitrik Trice, pulled out the 80-73 win in 50 minutes.

After three straight at home, the Badgers will be going on the road against both Rutgers and Michigan. Each of them will be legit tests and they can’t afford to have any defensive lapses this time around.

5. Iowa Hawkeyes (12-2, 4-1)

It was a rough start for Iowa, down double-digits early to Maryland on Thursday. What happened the rest of the way was nothing more than a beatdown from the Hawkeyes, with Luka Garza and Jordan Bohannon combining for 42 points in an 89-67 victory. The Terrapins simply was no match for Iowa’s offense, as few programs in the country are.

One who can though is Minnesota, who beat Iowa just a couple of weeks ago on Christmas in overtime. Expect another shootout that could reach into the 100s on Saturday. And the Hawkeyes will have to recover from that game quickly as they’ll face a surging Michigan State squad just a few days late.

*Rankings compiled before Sunday’s game vs Minnesota

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