College Basketball Couch Power 10 (Mar. 5th)
Indiana finally gave its passionate fans something to celebrate: a huge upset over the Big Ten leaders.
Welcome back to the Power 10! We are entering the final week of the regular season; in fact, for many, conference tournaments are already underway. But before we can catch ourselves looking forward to the tournament, let's take a look back at the week that was. It was another eventful.
Zion-less Duke lost again, this time on the road at Virginia Tech. The Indiana Hoosiers, a team much in need of quality wins, got 2 of them with overtime home thrillers against Wisconsin and Michigan State. Tennessee came thisclose to being upset at Ole Miss, then turned around and turned in their best performance of the year 3 days later, a spanking of #4 Kentucky. Iowa entered full-blown "Iowa in February" mode with two shocking losses, and Texas Tech and Kansas State took significant steps forward toward ending Kansas' 12-year reign on the Big 12.
We're 2 weeks away from the start of March Madness, and I am less convinced than ever that there's a reliably great team this year, Yet, it still seems there are tiers that are beginning to develop, sides with varying levels of quality and legitimate chance to be a title contender. Here is my best attempt at who the true Top 10 currently is:
1. Virginia (27-2)
I'm still not sold on the idea that this Virginia side is improved from the one that lost to UMBC last year (with the notable caveat that DeAndre Hunter did not play in that game), and I don't love that they lost twice to Duke, the most talented team they played all year. But you can't really make an argument for anyone else at this top spot. The only team who's playing at remotely the same level is ranked 2nd in our poll, and hasn't played a ranked team since December. Victories like the ones over Syracuse and Louisville are what sets the Cavs apart; the way they win games is absolutely soul-crushing.
2. Gonzaga (29-2)
Gonzaga is the only team playing on the same consistent level as Virginia right now. The problem is, they haven't played a ranked team since December, and haven't beaten a ranked team since November. That won't win over any skeptics, but don't be fooled: the Zags are balanced, experienced, and deep.
3. Tennessee (26-3)
Not too long ago, the Vols were the near-unanimous #1 team in America. A few weeks and a couple losses later, everyone seems to have forgotten about them. Winning the way they did over Kentucky served notice: this Tennessee team is still the real deal. They answered the questions about how they matched up to high-quality, physical teams, and answered them in a big way.
4. North Carolina (24-5)
After one of the most impressive weeks of the season, the Heels were lucky to make it out of last week unscathed, relying on miracle performances from Coby White and Cam Johnson to bail them out of scrappy contests against Syracuse and Clemson. There's a noticeable dip in form, particularly on the offensive end, but it's a testament to this team's balance and toughness that they were able to pull both games out. Plus, it's hard to argue with a perfect ACC road record, and winning 12 out of 13 since their mind-numbing loss to Louisville.
5. Duke (25-4)
Either Zion Williamson has quietly called it a season, or his "mild sprain" is more serious than originally believed. Whatever it may be, it's clear the UNC game was not a fluke, and rather the Blue Devils are a shell of themselves without him. The blowout win over Miami was certainly nice to see, but a very close game against Syracuse, and a loss at also-shorthanded Virginia Tech show that the vaunted depth is just not there with this side. It's not a death knell, though; there's too much talent on this side to count them out of any matchup, including the Tobacco Road Rematch this Saturday.
6. Kentucky (24-5)
Kentucky is proving to be quite the conundrum. From January to mid-February, they were playing some of the best basketball in the country, and most everyone (including myself) were ready to crown them Duke's biggest challengers. Now with a stumble against LSU and an absolute obliteration by Tennessee, it's a bit tougher to get a read on just how tournament-ready the Wildcats are.
7. Texas Tech (24-5)
It's not a name that will pop up on too many brackets' Final 4's, but if you're looking for a team that may sneakily be the hottest in the nation, look no further than Lubbock, TX. The days of 3 straight upsets seem long ago for a team that's won 11 of its last 12, including that 30-point win over Kansas, and is poised to clinch a share of the Big 12 crown.
8. Michigan (26-4)
What a difference a week makes. This time last week, Michigan was coming off a frustrating loss to their in-state rivals and were on the outside looking in on the Big Ten race. Now, after another Michigan State stumble and their own solid week of closing out Nebraska and Maryland, the Wolverines are back in a tie for the Big Ten crown and have a chance to snag it outright with a revenge victory over Sparty this coming weekend.
9. LSU (24-5)
LSU is a. the likely SEC regular-season champion, b. a still-underrated, physical team that absolutely NOBODY wants to see in their bracket, or c. all of the above. Those who said "c" win! The Tigers survived tough tests from Texas A&M and Alabama, and their march towards conference glory continues on into March.
10. Purdue (22-7)
Yes, don't forget that Big Ten basketball is played outside the Mitten State! Purdue, winners of 5 straight games, were the other beneficiaries of the Michigan State upset, putting themselves in contention once more for the Big Ten crown. The Boilermakers are well-coached, experienced, and talented, and won't be an easy out for any potential opponent.
Just missed: Michigan State, Houston, Florida State, Wofford, Cincinnati, Criminally Underrated Cam Johnson
Bonus: #1 Seed Predictions!
EAST (Washington, D.C.): Virginia
WEST (Anaheim): Gonzaga
MIDWEST (Kansas City): Tennessee
SOUTH (Louisville): North Carolina