1 -
Memphis
(21-0)
Toughest Match-up This Week: vs.
Central Florida
(11-10)
The Tigers took care of business against a tough
opponent in
Houston. Now the
only real challenge ahead of them is a colossal match-up against another
offensive minded team in
Tennessee.
The Tigers will be the number one overall seed if they don’t have an
unforeseen meltdown. (Don’t bet on it)
2 - Duke (19-1)
Toughest Match-up This Week:@ North Carolina (21-1)
This is the first year in recent history when you can
say Duke has flown under the radar. It won’t last long as now the
basketball world will be focused on another epic match-up with UNC.
3 -
North Carolina
(21-1)
Toughest Match-up This Week: vs. Duke (19-1)
After the upset loss to
Maryland,
the Tar Heels have chalked up three impressive double-digit victories.
In these victories, sophomore guard Ty Lawson has been an assist
machine. Lawson’s play will be the key to UNC’s success.
4 - UCLA (20-2)
Toughest Match-up This Week: @ Washington State (17-4)
UCLA sent a message to the
rest of the Pac-10 with their win against streaking
Arizona.
The Bruins not only have the best starting five in all of college
basketball, but they also may have the best sixth man. Before it is said
and done UCLA may make their way to the number one spot.
5 -
Kansas
(21-1)
Toughest Match-up This Week: @ Baylor (16-4)
Unexpectedly poor defense was
the reason why Kansas
fell to K-State. The Jayhawks ran into a hot team, at home and played
possibly their worst defensive game all year. Just a slight setback for
a team that will be a number one seed come tourney time.
6 -
Tennessee
(19-2)
Toughest Match-up This Week: vs.
Florida
(18-4)
Tennessee
is a team that on any night can beat any team in the country. Chris
Lofton has not been the playmaker he was last season, but look for that
to change as we get closer to tourney time. A tremendous match-up
Tuesday night against
Florida
will determine first place in the SEC.
7 -
Georgetown
(18-2)
Toughest Match-up This Week: @ Louisville (17-6)
The Hoyas bring their
momentum into Freedom Hall this week to take on the always tough
Louisville Cardinals. A win could solidify GU as a 2-3 seed in March.
8 -
Wisconsin
(18-3)
Toughest Match-up This Week: vs. Purdue (17-5)
After a loss to a surprising
Purdue squad the Badgers took out
Indiana
and kept themselves in the race for the Big 10. They have a tough
stretch coming with the majority of their remaining games being on the
road.
9 -
Butler
(19-2)
Toughest Match-up This Week: @ Valparaiso (14-7)
The Bulldogs have shown their
legitimacy with victories against quality “big conference” opponents in
Florida State,
Virginia
Tech, Michigan
and Ohio
State.
Now they need to finish strong to keep themselves in contention for a
top 3 seed.
10 - Stanford (18-3)
Toughest Match-up This Week: vs.
Oregon
(13-8)
Stanford may have helped
themselves more than any other team on this list after getting a hard
fought overtime win in
Pullman
against
Washington
State.
Brook Lopez has asserted himself as one of the best big men in the
country after averaging 24.5 points, 10 blocks and 4 blocks in victories
over WSU and Washington.
By
Nate Kelly