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NCAA Basketball: Duke rises in latest top 25 power rankings after crazy Saturday

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 26, 2022; Moraga, California, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels center Mitchell Saxen (10) celebrates with Gaels guard Tommy Kuhse (12) after the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at University Credit Union Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2022; Moraga, California, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels center Mitchell Saxen (10) celebrates with Gaels guard Tommy Kuhse (12) after the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at University Credit Union Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Kansas Jayhawks guard Joseph Yesufu Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Providence Friars

Throughout the season, there have been those who don’t fully believe in the Friars, saying that “luck” has been a major factor in their success. And even though they went 2-0 this week, how it happened probably won’t change many minds. The first game was against Butler on the road in a game where Providence trailed almost the entire time. Yet they found a way to tie it at the end of regulation before winning 71-70 in the final seconds. Nate Watson led them with 22 points.

But the Friars next game against Xavier turned into a Game of the Year candidate, with there needing three overtimes to decide a winner. After many big-time shots and moments, Providence won, 99-92 to beat the Musketeers. All five starters were in double figures but it was Jared Bynum coming off the bench to be the star, scoring 27 points and making five three-pointers.

There wasn’t a need for dramatics on Saturday against an injured Creighton team, with Providence winning 72-51 to win the program’s first-ever Big East regular-season title. AJ Reeves led the way with a game-high 23 points. It does mean that this week’s road game at Villanova won’t have much meaning outside of getting another victory for the March Madness resume but the Friars can get some revenge for the five-point loss at home not too long ago.

9. Kansas Jayhawks

With point guard Remy Martin still dealing with a knee issue, it feels as if we haven’t seen how good Kansas offense can really be. But even without him, Kansas State was no match for the Jayhawks this week, giving up 102 points in a 19-point victory. Both Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun each had at least 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the great offensive display.

But Baylor on the road was going to be a tougher challenge as expected. Martin was able to make it back for the game, scoring five points in 11 minutes off the bench. The offense was solid, led by 27 points from Agbaji and double-doubles from both Braun and David McCormack. But it wasn’t enough to beat the Bears, falling 80-70.

It’s far from a bad loss but it now gives Baylor a chance to win the Big 12 regular-season title if certain things don’t go the Jayhawks’ way. They have three games to go, including back-to-back against TCU and one versus Texas at home. Win all three and they’re the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.

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