so let’s take a look at the “new” Top 10.1.Texas: Had a scare against Arkansas, but the Longhorns offense bounced back with a conference win over Colorado. In their last two games though, Texas has allowed more than 170 points and for Rick Barnes’ defense, that is unacceptable.
2. Kentucky: After a tough game against Georgia on Saturday, Kentucky was able to walk away without a blemish on their very impressive record. Still undefeated, this team knows they have a bull’s eye on their heads. A big road game against Florida is coming up and don’t expect this team to back down.
3.Kansas: Bound to lose at some point. They might be the most talented team in the nation, but Bill Self has some work ahead of him. Not only did the Jayhawks lose at Tennessee on Sunday, but they also had another nail biter against Cornell, and they were lucky to win the game.
4.Villanova: Knows how to close out close games. In contests decided by less than 10 points, they are a perfect 6 and 0. The Big East is a tough as nails conference and Villanova is proving that they can put up a fight. They better be, with a road game coming up against Rick Pitino and Louisville.
5. Syracuse: ‘Cuse is a true contender this season. They had a huge early season win against North Carolina and it seems like that game let this team believe that it could beat anybody.
6. Purdue: Things were just perfect for the Boilermakers until they ran into a gutsy Wisconsin team. Despite the tough loss, Purdue is still a top contender and will be making noise when March rolls around.
7. Michigan State: Michigan State is like a tough boxer that never hits the canvas. When they get hit, they regroup and come right back and fight. They have several losses, but have had a tougher schedule than anybody. Big Ten teams better beware, because the Spartans are coming.
8 Duke: The Dukies were handed a tough lost this weekend by Georgia Tech, but the Blue Devils are still playing quality basketball. In order to stay in the mix Duke will now need to find a way to separate itself from the rest of the competition in the ACC.
9 Tennessee: With controversy surrounding the program, Tennessee has shown a great amount of heart. With an uplifting win over Kansas, things are starting to look bright for the Vols.
10. West Virginia: Bob Huggins is a coach that has proven himself on the national stage, but he has not been to the Final Four since 1992. His team is deep, tough and smart and Huggins knows that they have a good chance of making a run in the big dance.
