NCAA Basketball: UVA drops, Kansas reappears in latest top-25 power rankings
22. San Diego State Aztecs (17-4, 11-3)
The Aztecs avoided getting tripped up on the road at Fresno State this week, winning both matchups by a combined 32 points. Matt Mitchell led the way offensive, scoring a combined 32 points in both games. It extended the winning streak to seven games and right up there at the top of the Mountain West standings.
The regular season ends for San Diego State at home with a pair of massive games against Boise State, who is currently at the top of the standings with a 13-3 record. The Aztecs will need to get the sweep to win the regular-season title but at least one win will keep them from sweating on Selction Sunday.
21. Kansas Jayhawks (17-7, 11-5)
It wasn’t the prettiest of games for the Jayhawks against rival Kansas State on the road but the favorites were able to complete the season sweep with the 59-41 win. Kansas had a better effort on Saturday against Texas Tech, holding them off for a 67-61 victory. All five starters were in double figures, led by 17 points from big man David McCormack. Jalen Wilson had a double-double, with 11 points and rebound each.
Kansas has two games this upcoming week but they’re going to be brutal. First is a road game at what should be an angry Texas squad. Then comes the big matchup on Saturday at home versus Baylor. The Jayhawks lost by eight points in the first go-around but the game was never really that close, with the Bears controlling it from start to finish. Even with the Big 12 title out of reach, let’s see they can be the one to prevent Baylor from entering the conference tournament unbeaten.
20. USC Trojans (18-4, 12-3)
The Trojans took care of Arizona State earlier in the week without much problem, winning 89-71. The Mobley brothers (Evan and Isaiah) combined for 44 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists. Unfortuantely for USC, they couldn’t make it a sweep of the Arizona schools, falling to Arizona on Saturday by nine points. Evan Mobley had 23 points and Tahj Eaddy had 17 but the rest of the team failed to produce.
The upcoming week could be brutal for USC, with three opponents. Stanford at home will be a tossup and the Cardinal will be desperate for a signature win. Then comes the toughest road trip in NCAA Basketball, back-to-back games at Utah and Colorado. The hope usually is just to split but the Trojans will need to keep winning to help lock up the No. 1 seed for the Pac-12 Tournament.
19. Virginia Tech Hokies (14-4, 8-3)
Covid issues with the Hokies postponed their matchups this past week. The good news is that rival Virginia dropped both games, leaving a shot for Virginia Tech to win the ACC regular-season title. Assuming they’re good to go this upcoming week, they’ll be scheduled to face both Georgia Tech and Wake Forest at home.