With it being February, the College Basketball world is beginning to focus on the NCAA Tournament, as those currently on the bubble look to improve their standing. The Big Ten alone has been a dog-fight, and could very easily send nine-to-ten teams to the big dance. The Big 12 has flexed its muscles with two teams currently ranked in the top five in this month’s College Basketball Top 10 Power Rankings. Time to dive into the numbers.
1. Baylor Bears (20-1)
Baylor continues to run the table in the Big 12, and after surviving against Kansas State to start the week, the Bears look like the Big 12’s best hope. A top seed for Baylor on the horizon. Next Games: vs. Oklahoma State (Sat. 2/8).
2. Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-1)
The Bulldogs look set for yet another number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. They haven’t lost since the Battle-4-Atlantis Championship Game against Michigan. That loss has lost a little bit of flavor with the Wolverine struggles, but Gonzaga remains a top contender. Next Games: vs. Loyola Marymount (Thurs. 2/6), @ St. Mary’s (Sat. 2/8).
3. San Diego State Aztecs (23-0)
The pressure is on for the Aztecs as they are the only unbeaten team in the country. San Diego State is in a position to go into the NCAA Tournament unblemished. Next Games: @ Air Force (Sat. 2/8).
4. Kansas Jayhawks (19-3)
Devon Dotson has led the Jayhawks through a majority of their toughest games unblemished. Kansas is no doubt the second-best team from the Big 12. Next Games: @ TCU (Sat. 2/8).
5. Louisville Cardinals (19-3)
The Cardinals have rebounded since back-to-back losses against Kentucky and Florida State and have staked their claim on the ACC. Louisville has finally gotten Jordan Nwora to play at the level they need to be elite. Next Games: vs. Wake Forest (Wed. 2/5), vs. Virginia (Sat. 2/8).
6. Duke Blue Devils (18-3)
As long as the Blue Devils don’t run into any more full presses by opposing teams, Duke has a chance to pressure Louisville atop the ACC. They get their ultimate test this weekend, as they square-off with rival North Carolina. Next Games: @ Boston College (Today), @ North Carolina (Sat. 2/8).
7. Dayton Flyers (20-2)
The Flyers behind Obi Toppin have had an impressive season to this point. They could finish unbeaten in the A-10 but must avoid an upset by Saint Louis on Saturday. Dayton hasn’t lost at home or in true road games this season. One of the biggest overachievers this season. Next Games: vs. Saint Louis (Sat. 2/8).
8. Florida State Seminoles (19-3)
Florida State’s resume has become quite fractured with wins over Florida, Virginia, Purdue and Tennessee having ugly seasons. Yet the Seminoles win over Louisville remains intact as a top 10 win. The Noles survived against North Carolina to start the week. Next Games: vs. Miami (Sat. 2/8).
9. Maryland Terrapins (17-4)
The Terrapins have quietly put themselves back into the Big Ten title picture, as they sit one-game back of Michigan State and Illinois. Maryland gets a pair of chances to move ahead, with games against two other contenders this week. Next Games: vs. Rutgers (Today), @ Illinois (Fri. 2/7).
10. Seton Hall Pirates (16-5)
The Pirates were upset on their floor by Xavier, which was their first loss since December 14th. The good news was the return of Sandro Mamukelashvilli to the line-up for Seton Hall. It only gets tougher with two road games this week (see our Expert Predictions). Next Games: @ Georgetown (Wed. 2/5), @ Villanova (Sat. 2/8).
Other Top Contenders
Auburn Tigers (19-2)
The Tigers have rebounded since dropping two SEC games in a row. That includes a very major victory against Kentucky this past weekend. Next Games: @ Arkansas (Today), vs. LSU (Sat. 2/8).
Oregon Ducks (18-5)
The Ducks remain a question mark and have yet to truly prove themselves. Oregon sits atop the PAC-12, but the strength of the conference has been a real issue. Next Games: @ Oregon State (Sat. 2/8).
Iowa Hawkeyes (16-6)
The Hawkeyes had a tough three-game week last week and were able to win two of the three games. That includes a major home victory over Illinois on Sunday. The Hawkeyes led by Luka Garza have been one of the most fun teams to watch this season. Next Games: @ Purdue (Wed. 2/5), vs. Nebraska (Sat. 2/8).
Michigan State Spartans (16-6)
The Spartans remain a top-five team in the BPI, but until they can prove they are the Big Ten’s best then they will remain well outside the top 10. Their one-point road loss at Wisconsin on Saturday hurts, but they have games this week to reprove themselves. Next Games: vs. Penn State (Tonight), @ Michigan (Sat. 2/8).
