1. Auburn (25-2) (1) – Given the depth of the SEC, it is shocking how well Auburn is playing. They finish the season with four Quad 1 opponents, with Kentucky and Texas A&M on the road. If they win all those games…
2. Duke (24-3) (2) – When I watch a college basketball game, I know that almost every team has a “run” in them. Guess what? Illinois had zero answers for Duke for the entire 40 minutes. Destruction.
3. Florida (24-3) (3) – Since an embarrassing 64-44 loss to Tennessee, the Gators are 6-0. Only one of those games was within single digits, a 9-point conquest at Auburn. Watch out.
4. Houston (23-4) (4) – It’s too bad Iowa State wasn’t at full strength, but no guarantee they beat Houston even if they were. The Cougars put their perfect road record on the line against Texas Tech tonight.
5. Tennessee (22-5) (6) – 9 Quad 1 wins. 5-4 record on the road. Their only concern is that their offense can go into slumps. The Volunteers are #1 in adjusted defense (KenPom).
6. Alabama (22-5) (5) – Bounced back from back-to-back losses with a win over Kentucky, completing the sweep. The run-and-gun Crimson Tide will go as far as their offense takes them.
7. St. John’s (24-4) (10) – While I rank the Red Storm high, they are not a threat for a #1 seed. The computers aren’t in love (thanks, Big East) but the conference is 99.9% clinched. What if they win the Big East Tournament and end the season 30-4? Can they rise to a #2?
8. Michigan State (22-5) (16) – The Spartans surged into the #1 slot in the Big Ten with huge wins over Purdue and Michigan. How often does a Tom Izzo squad feel underappreciated? They may not be “sexy” but they are good.
9. Texas Tech (21-6) (9) – The Red Raiders suffered a tough loss at TCU but bounced back against West Virginia. Can they complete the sweep of Houston?
10. Wisconsin (21-6) (8) – It looked like the Badgers would remain a game behind Michigan State, but Oregon put together one of the most impressive comebacks this season. They travel to Michigan State this weekend.
11. Maryland (21-6) (13) – Their weak non-conference schedule (best win: Villanova) forced them to prove themselves within the Big Ten. The Terrapins have six Quadrant 1 wins and zero bad losses. Additionally, they are a top-20 offense and defense (KenPom). They are tricky to evaluate, but we can’t underestimate their strength.
12. Iowa State (21-6) (11) – How much can you punish the Cyclones? They played Houston within nine despite being shorthanded, as their defense kept them in the game.
13. Michigan (20-6) (12) – Although still tied for the conference lead in the loss column, they blew a golden opportunity to take control with their home loss to Michigan State. They feel like a matchup problem once the tournament begins, but the guards need to be on top of their game.
14. Texas A&M (20-7) (7) – Their issues on offense are problematic. While they have been up and down within the SEC, I will point out that they defeated Purdue, Texas Tech, Creighton, and Ohio State in non-conference play.
15. Missouri (20-7) (18) – Reminder that the Tigers 8-24 (0-18) in the SEC last season. While the new transfer rules make it easier to turn things around, they had to turn things around while playing within the nation’s top conference. It doesn’t matter how the story ends because there is no ruining what they have accomplished.
16. Clemson (22-5) (17) – If the Tigers can sweep their final four games (they should be favored in all of them), they can steal the conference title from Duke (tougher schedule). That would be amazing, even if it doesn’t reflect the strength of the teams.
17. Saint Mary’s (25-4) (23) – I won’t dig into the formulas, but there is zero doubt in my mind that the Gaels are better than Gonzaga, regardless of what computers spit out. They have clinched the #1 seed in the WCC tournament and are an NCAA Tournament threat.
18. Kentucky (18-9) (19) – The Wildcats are 8-8 in Quad 1. Inconsistency is an issue (4-6 in their last ten) but they can beat anyone.
19. Marquette (20-7) (14) – The Golden Eagles haven’t been themselves since an 8-0 start and have fallen out of the Big East race. Their tough non-conference schedule should help them come tournament time.
20. Louisville (21-6) (25) – The Cardinals are 15-1 in their last 16 games with a realistic shot to finish on a 19-1 run.
21. Arizona (18-9) (20) – Like Kentucky, Arizona is 8-8 in Quad 1 contests. They have taken a step back (1-3 in their last four games) but every game was winnable.
22. Oregon (20-8) (NR) – Are the Ducks back on track? Four straight wins and nine Quad 1 conquests, more than any team outside the SEC.
23. Mississippi State (19-8) (21) – The Bulldogs are 7-7 in conference and Quad 1 play. It’s not an insane profile, but it is solid.
24. BYU (19-8) (NR) – The Cougars have won four in a row, including a big road conquest (even if it was controversial) over Arizona. Their bad non-conference slate resonates, but I think they deserve recognition this week.
25. Ole Miss (19-8) (22) – The Rebels have zero losses outside of Quad 1. They barely hang on to their Top 25 spot after back-to-back losses to Mississippi State and Vanderbilt.
Dropped Out:
Purdue (19-9) (15) – The Boilermakers are fading down the stretch, losing four straight games. Their chance to win the Big Ten is likely gone. They will use their final three games to get back on track for the Big Ten Tournament.
Kansas (18-9) (24) – A needed blowout win over Oklahoma State on Saturday. It doesn’t hide that the Jayhawks are struggling to find their groove.
Just Missed:
Memphis (22-5) – I appreciate their willingness to play a top non-conference slate. They are in my Top 25 mix every week, though I haven’t been able to squeeze them in.
VCU (22-5) – The Rams mauled George Mason to take over first place in the Atlantic 10. Their issue? Zero Quad 1 wins (only one Quad 1 game) and a Quad 4 loss (11-1).
UCLA (20-8) – The Bruins would be in my Top 25, but that home loss to Minnesota last week was disqualifying.
UC San Diego (24-4) – The Tritons have nine straight wins and a non-conference victory over Utah State. Can they make it as an at-large if they win their remaining regular season games, only to lose in the conference tournament final? They would at least need to be discussed.