10. Virginia (19–5)–Don’t look now but the surprising Cavaliers are 10–1 in ACC play and trail only Syracuse for top spot. Offensively the team boasts just two players that average double-digits in scoring, though defensively they rank second in the nation in points allowed at 55.6 per game. This week: versus Maryland (Monday), at Clemson (Saturday). Previous: not ranked
9. Cincinnati (22–3)–Another great defensive team, Cincinnati allows just 57.6 points per game—good for fifth-best in the nation. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to beat SMU Saturday as the Bearcats 15-game wining streak came to an end last week at the hands of Larry Brown’s Mustangs. Still, at 11–1 in conference play, Cincinnati leads the American Athletic Conference by two games. This week: versus Houston (Saturday). Previous: 6
8. Duke (19–5)–After a slow start, Duke has won six of seven games to climb into a tie for third place in the ACC. The schedule for the Blue Devils should heat up with two games left against rival North Carolina and then a game against top-ranked Syracuse. This week: at North Carolina (Wednesday), versus Maryland (Saturday). Previous: not ranked
7. Kansas (18–5)–Kansas rebounded from a dreadful showing at Texas a week ago with double-digit wins against Baylor and West Virginia this past week. Starting freshman center, and highly-touted NBA prospect, Joel Embiid has averaged just 19.7 minutes per game the past three games while committing four fouls each time out. This week: at Kansas State (Monday), versus TCU (Saturday). Previous: 9
6. Villanova (21–2)–After a couple of down seasons, Jay Wright has his Wildcats back on track this year. One more win for Villanova and the team will already have more wins than they’ve had in any season since 2010. Scoring has been a big part of the team’s success as the Wildcats average 80.4 points per game (24th nationally) and have three players averaging more than 13.0 points per game. This week: at Depaul (Wednesday), at Creighton (Sunday). Previous: 7
5. Florida (21–2)–Now at 15 straight wins and counting, including victories over Kansas, Memphis, and Missouri, the Gators just keep on rolling. Much like Virginia and Cincinnati, Florida does it with defense. Billy Donovan’s squad allows just 57.9 points per game (sixth-best nationally) and has even held a pair of SEC opponents to under 42 points. This week: at Tennessee (Tuesday), at Kentucky (Saturday). Previous: 5
4. San Diego State (21–1)–As amazing as Florida’s run has been, San Diego can top them with 20 straight wins of its own—including a victory at Kansas mixed in there. Admittedly, the schedule is not as difficult now that Steve Fisher’s squad is in conference play—the Mountain West Conference, that is. This week: at Wyoming (Tuesday), versus Air Force (Saturday). Previous: 4
3. Wichita State (25–0)–Another team that does it with defense (allowing just 60.0 points per game), the Shockers are far and away the most surprising story of the season—even after last year’s Final Four run. Much like San Diego State, the conference schedule isn’t very demanding, but 25 in a row, is still 25 in a row. This week: versus Southern Illinois (Tuesday), at Evansville (Sunday). Previous: 3
2. Arizona (23–1)–Though they still have a sparkling overall record, the Wildcats have looked vulnerable for four straight games now—three decided by three points or fewer against good-but-not-great teams like Stanford, Cal, and Oregon. Still, Sean Miller’s team has a two-game lead in the Pac-12. This week: at Arizona State (Friday). Previous: 2
1. Syracuse (23–0)–As successful as Jim Boeheim has been at Syracuse he is on his best run ever. The Orange are on pace for 30 wins this year which would mark the third straight 30-win season and fourth in five years. Prior to five seasons ago, Boeheim had just three total 30-win seasons since took over at Syracuse in 1976. This week: at Pittsburgh (Wednesday), versus N.C. State (Saturday). Previous: 1
