NCAA Basketball: Duke, Michigan State fall in latest top 25 power ranking

6. Arizona (2-0)

Since his hiring in 2021, Tommy Lloyd has been a godsend for an Arizona program that has been the best in the Pac-12. They clearly have a new conference to adjust to next season, but that’s a worry for later. For now, a few major pieces are gone from last season, but Oumar Ballo and Pelle Larsson are both back and former North Carolina star Caleb Love is already stepping into a big role for the Wildcats.

No troubles were had on opening night, as Arizona handled Morgan State in a 122-59 laugher. Eight different Wildcats scored in double figures, led by an 18-point effort from Kylan Boswell. Friday was a much different story and was extra sweet for the Wildcats. They traveled to Durham for a true road test at Duke and came away with a 78-73 victory. All five starters were in double figures, led by Keshad Johnson’s 14-point, 8-rebound outing and a few clutch shots from Love; who’s had previous rodeos in that building.

Arizona turned in two fantastic performances to start the season in two dramatically different situations. This starting lineup looks strong after two games and that road win at Duke is currency later in the season, especially in bracketology talks in February and March. They can take it easy this upcoming week, getting home games against Southern and Belmont that should get them to 4-0 with relative ease.