NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Kansas drops, Duke, UNC rises in latest top 25 power ranking

4. Tennessee Volunteers – 16-3 (6-1 SEC)

After losing at home against Kentucky, the Volunteers had to go on the road and take on a couple of potentially tricky opponents in Mississippi State and LSU, both of whom are willing to muck it up against the elite defensive unit.

Turns out, no one can out Tennessee, Tennessee. Against Mississippi State, the Vols struggled at first but dropped 47 points in the second half to win, 70-59. Zakai Zeigler, who was back in the starting lineup, had 24 points on 7/14 shooting. Freshman Julian Phillips had a nice game as well, producing 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Versus the LSU Tigers, Tennessee made it a point to be no-contest, up by 17 points at the halftime break. They went on to win, 77-56, behind 22 points and seven rebounds from Josiah-Jordan James. Both teams shot similarly from inside the arc but it was the eight extra three-pointers made by the Vols that proved to be the difference.

Tennessee is now back at home this week, starting with the Georgia Bulldogs. But after that may be the best game of this weekend’s Big 12/SEC Challenge series, taking on the Texas Longhorns. It’s two of the best defensive units in NCAA Basketball so expect it to be a struggle to score points.