1. Michigan (10-0)
We’re a broken record when it comes to Michigan but this team has been downright stunning throughout the last month of the season. The Wolverines’ immense talent has been on display as they’ve been blitzing some pretty good teams in recent weeks, with those notable efforts against Auburn and Gonzaga out at Las Vegas.
There’s nothing new to talk about with Michigan this week, as the Wolverines weren’t on the court at all this past week. They’ve certainly earned and deserve this relative lull in their schedule, though hopefully this break doesn’t squash their momentum. They did deliver another big win over Maryland in their last time out, but it was also their weakest defensive effort of the young season.
In four of their last five games, all of which have been against power conference or top level teams, Michigan has scored at least 100 points. This offense is playing at an elite level and the defense has clearly displayed its potential as well. After all of these incredible performances and high-profile matchups, the Wolverines get an easier matchup with La Salle on Sunday, though Big Ten play looms large.
We’re nearing Christmas and the real start of conference play across the nation, thrusting us into the next stage of college basketball. Which of these teams are going to make a good impression in the days and weeks ahead and which are going to falter during these tougher contests?