NCAA Top Ten (Week of February 28th)
The clock is ticking on the regular season in College Basketball. There’s a new #1 this week and teams are fighting for a #1 seed. Here is this week’s Top Ten.
Top Ten (Week of February 28th)
Welcome to the Party: Iowa State; Sorry to see you go: Auburn
#10. Iowa State (21-6) (+2000) - Iowa State jumps into the top ten this week. The Cyclones have many of the tools to be successful in March; great guard play, stifling defense, and battle-tested. Last Week’s Rank: Unranked
#9. Kansas (21-7) (+2200) - Just when you think Kansas is all the way back, they lose to BYU at home. Something is missing from this team, perhaps simply more depth. Last Week’s Rank: 4th
#8. Duke (21-6) (+2800) - Filipowski’s ankle injury during the Wake crowd celebration was a scare but he looks to be ok. Duke has all the pieces to make a deep run. Last Week’s Rank: 8th
#7. North Carolina (21-6) (+1800) - The Tar Heels feel like a team on a mission after last season’s disappointment. They look like a lock for a second seed in the tournament. Last Week’s Rank: 8th
#6. Marquette (21-6) (+1800) - We will know more about Marquette after their upcoming rematch with UConn. Last Week’s Rank: 9th
#5. Arizona (21-6) (+1400) - Arizona has the size and experience at guard that tournament teams craze. The fear is that the Wildcats haven’t been pushed in a relatively weak Pac-12 this year. Last Week’s Rank: 4th
#4. Tennessee (21-6) (+1300) - Good test tonight for the Vols as they host Auburn. Tennessee has the experience and tools to make a long run in the tourney. They are also battle-tested from a tough conference this season. Last Week’s Rank: 5th
#3. Purdue (25-3) (+750) - To me, this goes one of two ways in the tournament for Purdue: they bounce back, like Virginia a few years ago, and romp through the tournament on a mission or they get bounced early for all the same reasons they have in each of the last several tournaments. I’m leaning toward the latter. Last Week’s Rank: 3
#2. UConn (25-3) (+500) - The Huskies were bounced hard at Creighton but this team still looks to be the most balanced, complete team in the country. Last Week’s Rank: 1
#1. Houston (25-3) (+750) - Houston keeps on winning and keeps on thriving in its first season in the Big 12. Relentless on the glass and interchangeable on defense, this team will be tough to beat in the tournament. Last Week’s Rank: 2nd
Game of the Weekend, Season Record 4-1: Kansas dismantled Texas at home on Saturday to make it four out of five in our Game of the Weekend predictions.
#6 Marquette at #12 Creighton: Creighton is one of the more interesting teams this season. They have size, shooting, and experience. I like them here over Marquette because they have similar qualities as UConn that will bother the Golden Eagles; namely their size and 3-point shooting.
In parenthesis, the odds to win the National Title in 2024. All odds Courtesy of Draftkings.com.
By Mark Ruelle