- Duke (14-0)- They face their first test in about a month on the road against NC State. Don't count out the Wolfpack in this one.
- Michigan (15-0)- This team is playing the best basketball in the country, led by PG Trey Burke. They face 3 ranked teams in January, but I think Michigan goes undefeated until Feb.
- Arizona (14-0)- Undefeated still, but has not looked very good over the last week. Expect the Ducks or Beavers to knock off Arizona this next week.
- Louisville (13-1)- Their only loss is to #1 Duke. In 2 weeks they play at home against Syracuse in what will be a top ten match-up. I'm leaning Cardinals by ten.
- Indiana (13-1)- Just as Michigan runs the table in January, Indiana will too. This will set up a huge match-up on February 2nd between the 2 teams. A potential top 3 match-up.
- Kansas (13-1)- The Big 12 is weak this year. Kansas might lose a game in conference (maybe Oklahoma State), but the competition they will face is light compared to other conferences.
- Gonzaga (15-1)- The Zags have been very impressive, winning against 5 Big 12 teams, among others. On January 19th, they play at Butler. Expect a tight one.
- Syracuse (14-1)- Only loss came to Temple. If they want to beat Louisville on the 19th, Carter-Williams needs to be more efficient. His shooting has been dismal.
- Missouri (11-2)- The SEC is also down this year. After squeaking out a win vs. Bucknell, the Tigers take some momemtum into conference schedule. They will win @Florida on the 19th.
- Minnesota (14-1)- I look like a fool for ranking them so low last time. After a convincing win against Michigan State, the Gophers play their next 3 games against top 12 teams (AP). Time to prove they belong.
- Illinois (14-2)- The Illini play Minnesota tomorrow at home. They need to win to vault back into the top ten. After a solid non-conference, I'll take Illinois 72-65.
- Georgetown (14-2)- I'll admit it, their offense is abysmal. However, Marquette isn't an awful loss, and they can redeem that loss with solid conference wins, such as against Pitt tonight.
- NC State (12-2)- NC State is playing well. Home against Duke on the 12th, the Wolfpack has a great chance to win. More physical up front, NC State should attack the paint. Plumlee cannot guard both Leslie and Howell. NC State upsets #1 76-74.
- Butler (12-2)- Butler hasn't lost since November. This team is fundamentally sound, and great defensively. Their match-up against the Zags on the 19th is very intriguing, especially at home.
- Virginia Commonwealth (12-3)- VCU might have the best press in the nation, not surprising for a Shaka Smart team. The A-10 will be tough, but VCU will win the conference.
- Kansas State (12-2)- They picked up a big win against Oklahoma State after beating Florida at the end of December. This team is hot and won't lose going into their Jan. 22nd rivalry game at home vs. Kansas.
- UCLA (12-3)- I still think UCLA makes a run at the conference title. This team is deep, and has a go-to star in Muhammad. January 24th @Arizona is a huge match-up to develop national credibility.
- Florida (10-2)- This team is ranked WAY too high by the AP and coaches. Their best win was against an underwhelming Wisconsin team. They get beat badly at home to Missouri on the 19th.
- UNLV (13-2)- UNLV plays ranked opponents in 2 of their next 3 games. If they want to win the Mountain West, winning those 2 will be crucial.
- Oregon (12-2)- After a solid win in the Civil War, Oregon gets the Arizona schools at home this week. Jan. 10th, vs. Arizona, Oregon has a great chance at an upset.
- Creighton (14-1)- Creighton has lots of above-average wins, but none against ranked opponents. Wichita State is the only opponent who could steal the conference from them.
- Michigan State (12-3)- This team is inconsistent. They need Appling to score more, and Dawson to be more aggressive. They will still be a tough out in the Big Ten.
- Ohio State (11-3)- They got beat badly vs. Illinois. With matchups against Michigan and Michigan State, the Buckeyes can get back on track in the next 2 weeks.
- Maryland (13-1)- Maryland has quietly had a great season. Only losing to Kentucky, who has more talent than many ranked teams, Maryland could finish as high as 2nd in the ACC. I think NCST beats them out, but they could easily beat UNC.
- Notre Dame (14-1)- Notre Dame doesn't have an NBA prospect, but this team is very deep, led by Jack Cooley. Their game against Georgetown won't be pretty to watch, but it could go a long ways in figuring out who finishes behind Louisville.
Bonus: Watch out for Bucknell... this team is very scary, and will upset a good team in the tourney.
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