With only two weeks left in college basketball, top teams are facing tough tests against conference opponents looking to boost their resumé for tournament time.
(17) Tennessee 74, (2) Kentucky 65
Kentucky and Tennessee is one of the biggest rivalries in the SEC, and at home Tennessee proved too much for the Wildcats. Tennessee played a great defensive game, forcing 5 turnovers from John Wall. JP Prince had 20 points and Scotty Hopson had 15. The Vols can now boast victories over Kansas and Kentucky, arguably the two best teams in the country.
Oklahoma State 85, (1) Kansas 77
Another road test for a top ranked team, the Oklahoma State Cowboys took down the number one ranked Kansas Jayhawks. Junior James Anderson, who was questionable with back pain, scored 27 points, and made his case for Big 12 Player of the Year.
(11) New Mexico 83, (12) BYU 81
This Mountain West shootout was a highly anticipated game between two ranked teams, and New Mexico moved into sole possession of first place in the conference. Dairese Gary had 23 points and Darington Hobson had 20 for the Lobos. BYU was led by Michael Loyd Jr. with 19 points. Star guard Jimmer Fredette, averaging 21.7 points per game, played only 16 minutes with a stomach problem, and scored only 6 points.
(3) Syracuse 95, (8) Villanova 77
In the premier matchup of the night, the Syracuse Orange held their ground on their home floor, and took out the Villanova Wildcats, and clinched at least a tie in the Big East regular season title. Rick Jackson led the Orange with 19 points and Arinze Onuaku had 17. The Orange now look to impress the selection committee with their 7-0 record against ranked opponents, giving them the inside track for a number one seed barring a catastrophic end to the season.
So with Kansas and Kentucky losing who is number one? Keep in mind that Kansas is not out of the woods yet, as they have to play Kansas State on March 3rd. Number 3 Purdue faces Michigan State tomorrow night without star forward Robbie Hummel, tilting the odds in Sparty's favor in that contest. Duke hasn't lost, but hasn't played anyone of note in their recent ACC schedule. Here are my predictions for the top 5 of next week.
1. Syracuse (26-2)
2. Kansas (27-2)
3. Kentucky (27-2)
4. Duke (24-2)
5. Purdue (24-3) NOTE: I am predicted a loss to Michigan State Sunday, which drops Purdue this low.
It will be interesting to see how the polls reflect the games played this weekend, so check back Monday for updated power rankings.
Agree with my predictions? Do you think I'm underestimating a top team? Let me know in the comments.
No comments:
Post a Comment