3. Seton Hall Pirates 9-1
If the big dance started, the Pirates would likely be in the field. Seton Hall has nine wins in ten games, with their lone loss coming by two points to the USC Trojans. Since that loss, they have bounced back with wins over Washington State, Central Connecticut and the Kansas State Wildcats. The Pirates have been really strong on the defensive end, allowing just 61.9 points per game. They will put their start to the test on Saturday as they battle against Rutgers out of the Big Ten. Their Big East slate starts December 19 as they are at Providence.
4. Villanova Wildcats 7-2
It’s been a nice start for the Wildcats, despite their recent blowout loss. The Wildcats won seven straight games following their season opening loss to BYU. The latest loss was not pretty, but the Wildcats will bounce back. The loss was by 28 points on the road at the Michigan Wolverines, who appear to be the best in all of college basketball. Bryce Lindsey is having a strong season for Villanova, with 16.4 points per game, while Acaden Lewis is adding 12.6. The Wildcats take on Pitt and Wisconsin in their next two games before starting Big East play on December 23.