These are the College Basketball conference power rankings for the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and Big East:
SEC
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 25: The Auburn Tigers logo show on a pair of shorts during a Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Iowa State Cyclones at The Lahaina Civic Center on November 25, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
1. Auburn: If I were an Auburn fan, I would begin looking at lodging in San Antonio.
2. Alabama
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 06: The Alabama Crimson Tide logo shown on a chair of shorts during the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Saturday, February 15, and Saturday, March 8. Mark your calendars. The Iron Court.
3. Tennessee
CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: A detailed view of the “T” logo of the Tennessee Volunteers as they line up for the National Anthem before playing the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 29, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 100-92. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
It was the Jordan Gainey game against Florida.
4. Florida
CHARLESTON, SC – NOVEMBER 22: The Florida Gators logo on a pair of shorts during a second round Charleston Classic basketball game against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes at the TD Arena on November 22, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
No Walter Clayton, no problem against Vandy.
5. Texas A&M
CONWAY, SC – NOVEMBER 18: The Texas A&M Aggies logo on a pair of shorts during a second round game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational college basketball game against the Colorado Buffaloes at HTC Center on November 18, 2022 in Conway, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 18: The Mississippi Rebels logo on a pair of shorts during the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at TD Arena on November 18, 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Chris Beard has his type of team now.
7. Kentucky
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 17: The Kentucky Wildcats logo on a pair of short during the first round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game against the Providence Friars at Greensboro Coliseum on March 17, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The lack of energy against Arkansas was disappointing.
8. Missouri
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: A view of the Missouri Tigers logo prior to a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Pure domination in Starkville last Saturday.
9. Texas
AUSTIN, TX – DECEMBER 1: The Texas Longhorns logo on the floor of the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on December 1, 2022. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
The type of team that could make an elite 8 run if they get into the tournament.
10. Mississippi State
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 23: The logo of the Mississippi State Bulldogs on the uniform shorts worn during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the Gotham Classic at Prudential Center on December 23, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. Mississippi State defeated Rutgers 70-60. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Struggle against quality opponents, of which there are a lot in the SEC.
NORMAN, OK – DECEMBER 05: The Oklahoma Sooners logo on the basket before a college basketball game against the Providence Friars at Lloyd Noble Center on December 5, 2023 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Have not beaten anyone ahead of them in this ranking.
12. Arkansas
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 22: The Arkansas Razorbacks logo on a par of shorts during a second round game of the Maui Jim Invitational college basketball Tournament against the Creighton Bluejays at Lahaina Civic Arena on November 22, 2022 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Playing hard for their coach at the moment.
13. Vanderbilt
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 21: A detailed shot of the Vanderbilt Commodores logo during the second half of the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on December 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
The lack of size is concerning.
14. Georgia
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – APRIL 02: The Georgia Bulldogs logo shown on a pair of shorts during the NIT Semifinals college basketball game against the Seton Hall Pirates at Hinkle Fieldhouse on April 2, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The win against Kentucky appears to have been a flash in the pan.
15. LSU
CHARLESTON, SC – NOVEMBER 16: The. LSU Tigers logo on a pic of shorts during day one of the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball game against the Dayton Flyers at the TD Arena on November 16, 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Been wholly uncompetitive as of late.
16. South Carolina
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – DECEMBER 10: A view of the South Carolina Gamecocks logo on their uniform during the game against the Utah Utes at Mohegan Sun Arena on December 10, 2023 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 18: A detail view of Nike basketballs prior to the game between the Elon Phoenix and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
1. Duke: Dismantled North Carolina on Saturday.
2. Clemson
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 05: The Clemson Tigers logo is seen on the shorts of Chase Hunter #1 of the Clemson Tigers against the Syracuse Orange in the first half at Littlejohn Coliseum on March 05, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Difficult to shut down both Schieffelin and Lakhin in the same game.
3. Louisville
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 12: A view of the Louisville Cardinals logo on their uniform during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the First Round of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
CHARLESTON, SC – NOVEMBER 16: The Wake Forest Demon Deacons logo on a pair of shorts during day one of the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball game against the Utah Utes at the TD Arena on November 16, 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The guard trio of Cam Hildreth, Ty-Laur Johnson, and Hunter Sallis is one of the nation’s best and most underrated.
5. SMU
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 07: Head Coach Andy Enfield of the Southern Methodist Mustangs looks on during the second half of a basketball game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Dean E. Smith Center on January 07, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
The frontcourt looked outstanding against NC State.
6. Pittsburgh
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 14: A view of the Pittsburgh Panthers logo on their uniform during the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Quarterfinals of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 14, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Next game against North Carolina is massive for their NCAA Tournament chances.
7. North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 14: A general view of the NC logo on the shorts of RJ Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels. During a game against the La Salle Explorers at Dean E. Smith Center on December 14, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 93-67. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
Looked like an AAU team matched up against a team 2 grades older than them against Duke.
8. Stanford
HONOLULU, HI – NOVEMBER 24: The Stanford Cardinal logo on a pair of shorts during a Rainbow Wahine Showdown women’s college basketball game against the American University Eagles at the Stan Sheriff Center on November 24, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Potential giant killer.
9. Virginia Tech
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 13: A view of the Virginia Tech Hokies logo on their uniform during the game against the Florida State Seminoles in the Second Round of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Tobi Lawal may be the best basketball player in the state of Virginia.
10. Notre Dame
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 16: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo shown on shorts during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena on November 16, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Two steps forward, one gigantic step back.
11. Syracuse
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 03: A detailed shot of the Syracuse Orange logo during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on December 03, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Starting to look more like a Boeheim-coached team.
12. Virginia
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 14: A view of the Virginia Cavaliers logo on their uniform during the game against the Boston College Eagles in the Quarterfinals of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 14, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Dai Dai Ames breakout game against Pitt.
13. Cal
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 20: The California Golden Bears logo on a pair of shorts during a quarterfinal game against the Wichita State Shockers at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. The Shockers won 92-82. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
Jeremiah Wilkinson is doing his best Andrej Stojakovic impression.
14. Florida State
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 14: A view of the Florida State Seminoles logo on their uniform during the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Quarterfinals of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 14, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Catastrophic meltdown over the weekend to Boston College.
15. Georgia Tech
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 12: A view of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets logo on their uniform during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the First Round of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
HUGE win over Louisville!
16. NC State
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 06: The North Carolina State Wolfpack logo shown on a pair of shorts during the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The rare 6-game losing streak but have had a chance to win every game late in the 2nd half.
17. Boston College
CHAPEL HILL, NC – JANUARY 09: A close-up view of the logo for the Boston College Eagles during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels on January 09, 2018 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 66-96. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
Used a miracle finish to beat Florida State.
18. Miami
CHARLESTON, SC – NOVEMBER 22: A detailed view of the Miami Hurricanes logo shown on shorts during the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at TD Arena on November 22, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Enjoy that win against Notre Dame. It might be a while before that happens again.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 18: A detailed view of the “Jumpman” logo on a Houston Cougars jersey against the UAB Blazers during the first half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
1. Houston: Need to find more consistent scoring if they want to be Final Four good.
2.Kansas
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – JANUARY 20: A view of the Kansas Jayhawks logo on their uniform during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum on January 20, 2024 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
No lead is safe at the moment.
3. Arizona
MADISON, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 15: A picture of the Arizona Wildcats logo on shorts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on November 15, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 18: Detailed view of the Texas Tech logo seen on a players uniform during a game against the LSU Tigers at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on November 18, 2014 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won the game in overtime 69-64. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The win at Houston without JT Toppin and Grant McCasland was one of the grittiest I have seen this season.
5. Iowa State
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 17: The Iowa State Cyclones logo on. Pair of shorts during the first round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Greensboro Coliseum on March 17, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Did Caleb Love’s half-court heave ruin this team?
6. Baylor
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – JANUARY 18: The Baylor Bears logo on pair of shorts before a college basketball game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at the WVU Coliseum on January 18, 2022 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Dangerous when healthy, but never healthy.
7. BYU
LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Egor Demin #3 of the Brigham Young Cougars dribbles the ball during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the Rady Children’s Invitational at LionTree Arena on November 29, 2024 in La Jolla, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Have so many games where a random player steps up and scores 15 more than their average.
8. West Virginia
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – FEBRUARY 20: The West Virginia Mountaineers logo on the floor before a college basketball game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the WVU Coliseum on February 20, 2023 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Can Darren DeVries keep the train on its tracks?
9. Cincinnati
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 22: The Cincinnati Bearcats logo on a pair of shorts during a second round game of the Maui Jim Invitational college basketball Tournament against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lahaina Civic Arena on November 22, 2022 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Wes Miller’s squad is starting to look more like their non-conference selves.
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 18: The TCU Horned Frogs logo on appear of shorts during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the Capital One Arena on December 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
A very poor shooting team that is winning games off of grit.
11. Arizona State
PROVO, UT – DECEMBER 31: Jayden Quaintance #21 of the Arizona State Sun Devils keeps his eyes on a shot during warmups before their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Marriott Center on December 31, 2024 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
Free throws, free throws, free throws.
12. Kansas State
MANHATTAN, KANSAS- DECEMBER 08: The Kansas State Wildcats logo on a pic of shortsduring a college basketball game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Bramlage Coliseum on December 8, 2021 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Can Jerome Tang pull off the miracle of getting this team back in the NCAA Tournament conversation?
13. Utah
CHARLESTON, SC – NOVEMBER 17: The Utah Utes logo on a pic of shorts during day two of the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball game against the Houston Cougars at the TD Arena on November 17, 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Very tough to predict.
14. UCF
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – DECEMBER 31: Darius Johnson #3 of the UCF Knights passes the ball during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena on December 31, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
Keyshawn Hall and Darius Johnson are a potent 1-2 punch.
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – FEBRUARY 20: The Oklahoma State Cowboys logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at the WVU Coliseum on February 20, 2023 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Showing signs of improvement!
16. Colorado
LYNCHBURG, VA – NOVEMBER 17: The Colorado Buffaloes logo on pair of shorts during the quarterfinals of the Paradise Jam college basketball tournament against the Quinnipiac Bobcats at The Vines Center on November 17, 2017 in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Buffaloes won 70-69. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
Mom always told me if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Big Ten
COLLEGE PARK, MD – JANUARY 10: The Purdue Boilermakers logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 10, 2021 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
1. Purdue: The cream has finally risen to the top of the standings.
2. Michigan State
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – JANUARY 21: A view of the Michigan State Spartans logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 21, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The California road trip was unkind and a tough schedule the rest of the way.
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – FEBRUARY 29: The Michigan Wolverines logo on the uniform shorts worn during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 29, 2024 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Michigan 82-52. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
I just enjoy watching this offense. Check it out if you have not already.
4. Maryland
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – MARCH 03: A view of the Maryland Terrapins logo on their uniform during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Xfinity Center on March 03, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Ja’Kobi Gillespie is filling the void left by Jahmir Young.
5. Wisconsin
MADISON, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 14: A picture of the logo worn on new uniform shorts of a Wisconsin Badgers player during the game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Kohl Center on December 14, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Yet to beat a team above them on this list.
6. Illinois
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – FEBRUARY 21: The Illinois Fighting Illini logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Rec Hall on February 21, 2024 in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The advanced metrics love this team, and they look good to the eye, but they just keep losing games.
7. UCLA
STANFORD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: A detailed view of the hand towel the UCLA logo seen hanging out of the pants of Oluwafemi Oladejo #2 of the UCLA Bruins during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 19: A view of the Ohio State Buckeyes logo on a belt before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 19, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The lack of size down low may become a concern.
9. Oregon
MAUI, HAWAII – NOVEMBER 22: The Oregon Ducks logo on shorts during the Maui Invitation college basketball tournament against the Tennessee Volunteers at Lahaina Civic on November 22, 2016 in Maui, Hawaii. The Ducks won 69-95. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Huge road game upcoming against Sparty to try to stop the skid.
10. USC
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: A general overall view of the Southern California Trojans SC logo at center court during an NCAA college women’s basketball game on January 26, 2024 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Clark Slajchert filled in for Desmond Claude admirably against Northwestern, albeit in a losing effort.
11. Rutgers
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 06: A view of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 06, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Finally played up to its potential in their win over Illinois.
12. Nebraska
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – JANUARY 27: A view of the Nebraska Cornhuskers logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 27, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Welcome to the Brice Williams show.
13. Indiana
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – FEBRUARY 24: The Indiana Hoosiers logo shown on a pair a of shorts during a college basketball game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Bryce Joyce Center on February 24, 2024 in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Post-injury Malik Reneau has not been the same as pre-injury Malik Reneau.
14. Northwestern
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 28: A view of the Northwestern Wildcats logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 28, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 22: A view of the Minnesota Golden Gophers logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 22, 2023 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The team that has moved the most spots since my first rankings back in January.
16. Penn State
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 12: A detail view of a Penn State Nittany Lions logo before the second half against USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
One injury after another.
17. Iowa
UNIVERSITY PARK, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 31: The Iowa Hawkeyes logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Bryce Joyce Center on January 31, 2022 in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Purdue was running layup lines against them without Owen Freeman to defend the paint.
18. Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: DJ Davis #4 of the Washington Huskies reacts after his three point basket against the Washington State Cougars at Alaska Airlines Arena on December 18, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Hey, they got another conference win!
Big East
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 7: The St. John’s Red Storm uniform logo at Carnesecca Arena on November 7, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
1. St Johns: Rick Pitino has this group playing some elite defense.
2. UConn
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 10: A view of the Connecticut Huskies logo on their uniform during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Statement win over Marquette.
3. Marquette
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: The Marquette Golden Eagles logo shown on a pair of shorts during the Big East Basketball Tournament Semifinals against the Providence Friars at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
0-2 in the biggest week of their season.
4. Creighton
OMAHA, NE- NOVEMBER 06: The Creighton Bluejays logo shown on the floor prior to a college basketball game against the UTRGV Vaqueros at CHI Health Center on November 06, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
I don’t know if Steven Ashworth called bank.
5. Xavier
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 02: A view of the Xavier Musketeers logo on their uniform during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena on March 02, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Only St Johns and Xavier have beaten both UConn and Marquette this season.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 04: The Villanova Wildcats logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the Providence Friars at Wells Fargo Center on February 4, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
“Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades”.
7. Providence
PROVIDENCE, RI – NOVEMBER 12: The Providence Friars logo shown on the floor prior to a college basketball game against the Hampton Pirates at Amica Mutual Pavillon on November 12, 2024 in Providence, Rhode Island. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Every game is a close game for this team.
8. Georgetown
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 18: The Georgetown Hoyas logo is shown on the floor before a college basketball game against the Creighton Bluejays at Capital One Arena on December 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Feels like they have never been fully healthy.
9. Butler
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 05: The Butler Bulldogs logo on a pair of shorts in position during a college basketball game against the Connecticut Huskies at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Clearly better than the last two teams, but clearly worse than the top 8.
10. DePaul
CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 24: The DePaul Blue Demons logo on the floor before a college basketball game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Wintrust Arena on January 24, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Beat Seton Hall in the cellar battle last Sunday.
11. Seton Hall
NEWARK, NJ – January 20: The Seton Hall Pirates uniform logo during a game against the Creighton Bluejays at Prudential Center on January 20, 2024 in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
